Me 

n 



m 



111 

IH 



wSL 




■ 

HUB 

T 




O f 









5 s * 










.-. ^ 






^ < 



r. "o 


















■ * -*Ss - ***** #ir ^ ^ : jK*' V 



,^K^.. \/ .*». 









v*5$?y* *v^^>^ X*^^^ ? 




^°* 



o v 





% 














***** 









n 



.3 r> 



A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 




GIVING OUT WOODEN SHOES IN THE GARDEN OF ENVOY 
JULES HUBINOUT AT MARCHIENNES-AU-PONT. THE 
MAJOR BY THE STATUE. 



A Yankee Major Invades 
Belgium 

The Chronicle of a Merciful and Peaceful 
Mission to Europe During the World War 



By 

GEORGE TAGGART 

and 

WALLACE WINCHELL 



ILLUSTRATED 



ra 




New York Chicago Toronto 

Fleming H. Revell Company 

London and Edinburgh 



Copyright, 19 16, by 
FLEMING H. REVELL COMPANY 



3163? 

3fT3 



DEC 30 J9f6; ' 

New York: 158 Fifth Avenue 
Chicago: 17 North Wabash Ave. 
Toronto: 25 Richmond Street, W. 
London : 2 1 Paternoster Square 
Edinburgh: 100 Princes Street 



3Ci.A453494 

- 



Introduction 

THE thought paramount in presenting this 
circumstantial chronicle of a mission of 
mercy has been that the spirit of love, 
forgiveness and good will that sweetens a home or 
a neighborhood, is the same spirit that will make 
possible a permanent world peace. 

The labors of Major Wallace Winchell along this 
line, expressive of the sentiment and propagating 
the idea, are known from the Atlantic to the 
Pacific, but a brief review of his successful work, 
among the most refractory elements of society, will 
serve to show the wisdom of his leaders in choosing 
him for the difficult task in Europe. 

Born in Oswego County, N. Y., in 1866, Wallace 
Winchell's parents took him with them, three years 
later, to Charlotte, Mich., where they made their 
home. As a senior in the high school at Charlotte, 
young Winchell became a member of the Salvation 
Army, which, in those days, was held in contempt 
and ridicule. In anger, the father, a Civil War 
veteran, turned out the young lad, who continued 
his studies, however, graduating in 1886. Apply- 
ing for Salvation Army work, he was accepted as 
an officer. The mother stood by the young Salva- 
tionist and the father was won back after three years. 

As has been said, the Army was bitterly perse- 
7 



8 Introduction 

cuted at that time. One night a mob placed 
dynamite with a thirty-minute fuse under the old 
rink where a service was being held. Ten minutes 
after the people had left the building, it was blown 
to atoms. Every night there were riots and many 
soldiers of the Army were mobbed or imprisoned. 

For three years Winchell weathered these stormy 
days of rowdyism and official persecution, then 
characteristic of the Michigan small towns. At 
Ovid he was beaten by a mob night after night, 
often being used as a football, but he stuck it out, 
giving God the glory. Here also the meeting-place 
was destroyed and the Bible and Stars and Stripes 
were burned in the streets. In the same town he 
was taken from the hoodlums by the local marshal 
and put in a filthy lock-up, charged with the hei- 
nous offense of " preaching in the streets." A group 
of farmers, armed with guns and pitchforks, de- 
manded that he be accorded his rights as an Amer- 
ican citizen and he was released. A subscription 
paper was circulated and a hall (Salvation Army 
property) was built. 

Major Winchell has held many important com- 
mands in the Army, being as well known in Boston, 
Chicago, Pittsburgh and San Francisco as in and 
around New York City. 

In 1891 he married Captain Ida May Harris, then 
commanding work in New England and in charge 
of the rink in Cambridge where she drew two thou- 
sand persons nightly for eight months, including 
many University students. Captain Harris had 



Introduction g 

opened sundry large cities to the Army and had 
been a factor for good throughout New England, 
by reason of her earnest, sweet personality and her 
intellectual attainments. 

For eight years they jointly directed the institu- 
tion for training cadets in Chicago, in which city 
they rented the great Princess Kink, where thou- 
sands crowded every night and many remarkable 
conversions were recorded. Here it was that Major 
Winchell subpoenaed the well-known agnostic, 
Colonel Kobert G. Ingersoll, in a mock trial of 
Satan, precipitating a controversy that aroused 
comment all over this country as well as in Europe. 

In 1897 the Winchells were detailed to organize 
the famous Fort Eomie colony for the unemployed 
in Salinas Valley, California. The Mayor of San 
Francisco, Hon. James D. Phelan, now United States 
Senator, the late Claus Spreckles, and the Chamber 
of Commerce of that city, following Winchell's 
program, established that immense philanthropic 
work the success of which was so noteworthy that 
H. Eider Haggard was commissioned by the British 
Government to visit the colony and report upon it. 
(" The Poor and the Land," by H. Eider Haggard ; 
Longmans, Green & Co., London, 1905.) The idea 
was " waste labor on waste land by means of waste 
capital, converting the trinity of waste into the 
unity of production." Major and Mrs. Winchell 
returned last year to visit this poor man's paradise 
after an absence of seventeen years. 

For eleven years the Winchells have had charge 



lo Introduction 

of Salvation Army work in Jersey City. The 
Major's methods of rescuing drunkards by stretch- 
ers, cabarets and cocktails have won world renown. 
Many men once in high positions but gone down 
into the wreckage have been restored to happy, 
useful lives. 

As a successful, practical peacemaker, the Major 
has a unique reputation. The old Horseshoe dis- 
trict in Jersey City had long been known as one of 
the toughest sections about New York. Gangsters 
would meet nightly for stone fights. Men, women, 
even little children, would join in and serious, often 
fatal, injuries resulted. " Gamintowners " would 
fight " Hobokens," while Irish, Poles and Italians 
would exploit their individual grudges in battles 
royal. The fine, large, new Salvation Army build- 
ing was a target for those who loved war. It was 
stoned regularly and so were its inmates. 

From his office window, one day, Major Winchell 
saw a surging mob in a desperate affray. A young 
Irish girl, battling with a Polish woman, was over- 
come and knocked senseless. Men picked her up 
and, quickly recovering, she seized a derelict dish- 
pan and proceeded energetically to pound the 
Polish head. A general mix-up ensued and, into 
the midst of it, rushed the Major with a bouquet 
of roses. The Irish girl's father had drawn a re- 
volver and the Polish woman had produced a long 
butcher's knife, but an appeal to their better natures 
prevailed and the Irish lass was persuaded to pre- 
sent the roses to her enemy. The two women 



Introduction 1 1 

became friends, the spirit of good will extend- 
ing throughout the entire section. News of this 
achievement went all over the State with the result 
that the Major receives daily, in season, large con- 
signments of flowers for distribution among all 
factions. 1 His big sightseeing auto, loaded with 
children of all nationalities, drives through the be- 
nighted district, leaving a trail of floral glory. Not 
a stone fight has there been in the section since the 
bouquet incident of five years ago. Now the police 
have only two or three arrests a week whereas 
forty or fifty were customary a few years ago. 

The police and firemen of Jersey City, in ex- 
pression of the esteem in which Major and Mrs. 
Winchell are held, made possible their trip to the 
Panama-Pacific Exposition in San Francisco in 1915. 

Crap shooting, a petty form of street gambling, 
used to be popular with thousands of young lads, 
but Major Winchell habitually entered the rings 
of gamblers and appealed to their manhood. The 
outcome was that, upon invitation, the boys either 
knelt on the sidewalk or raised their hats while the 
Major prayed for them. By pledges, extracted from 
the boys, the game is fast disappearing and the 
youths are aspiring to better things. The Major's 
auto, trolley and boat rides for children are widely 
known features of his Jersey City labors. His 
earnest efforts to turn the attention of the poor and 
weak to the noble and true things of life have 

1 The National Flower, Plant and Fruit Guild furnishes most 
of the flowers. 



12 Introduction 

helped in the making of Jersey City. He has co- 
operated with the courts and with the Chamber of 
Commerce in city planning, and the present success- 
ful commission form of government (the first large 
Eastern city to adopt this form) has made this com- 
munity one of the most attractive in the environs 
of Greater New York, a fact evidenced by the 
costly new apartments and other buildings con- 
stantly looming up within its confines. 

Three years^ ago Winchell was sent to Ohio to di- 
rect a relief party among the flood sufferers. When 
called to Belgium, the Major was well equipped by 
years of successful experience to meet the ever new 
conditions. The story of his adventures in tumultu- 
ous Europe cannot fail to interest the reader. 

Yictories won along these lines, by his abiding 
faith in the power of love to make for peace, were 
officially recognized by a civic banquet under the 
auspices of the Chamber of Commerce in Jersey 
City upon his return from Europe, Colonel Austen 
Colgate presiding, and various distinguished citi- 
zens, among them the Governor and the Mayor, 
attesting their appreciation of the labors of this 
sterling American. 

Peace has been his watchword; Peace is the 
key-note of his tale of work abroad ; and it is his 
sincere belief, as he forecasts in his closing chapter, 
that the coming of Peace on Earth, Peace in the 
Human Heart, is to solve all of the problems of the 
nations. 

G. T. 



Preface 

I AM indebted to Mr. George Taggart, newspa- 
perman and playwright, in writing this story 
from material which I had given him, but in 
offering this volume to the public I assume per- 
sonally all responsibility for its contents. 

Describing work being accomplished by various 
organizations, I have endeavored to make it all a 
true record. These societies are doing an indispen- 
sable and far-reaching work under most trying cir- 
cumstances. 

I had no thought of writing a book. While lec- 
turing, on my return, upon my experiences in Bel- 
gium, many people urged me to present my story 
in book form. They stated that many throughout 
the entire country would be eager to learn of my 
unique mission and its results. I have had little 
more in the way of personal notes than the corre- 
spondence with my wife, written before and after I 
was in Belgium, as no American mail is allowed to 
enter or to leave that country. Through the per- 
mission of the German authorities, I brought away 
my report to our London headquarters, the letter 
of the Brussels Chamber of Commerce and letters 
from the children, together with photographs and 
souvenirs. I include also the story of Dr. Maximo 

13 



14 Preface 

Asenjo which I sent as correspondent of the New 
York Sun. 

My sincere hope is that the book may accomplish 
a twofold mission : 

First — That it may stir the people's sympathies 
in behalf of those poor Belgian children whom I 
learned to love as they have learned to love the 
American people in return for what the President 
and the American Commission have done for them. 
This help must be continued until the end of the 
war. 

Second — That it may promote the World Peace 
movement which is absolutely necessary for the era 
of reconstruction after the war. 

I send the story forth with gratitude to God 
whose loving care was with me in all dangers, seen 
and unseen, and who gave to me such marvellous 
victories. I also pray that this book may cheer 
those who have contributed their toil and money to 
help worthy causes during this era of havoc and 
destitution. 

Wallace Winchell. 
Jersey Gity 7 JV. J"., 

Sept 5, 1916. 



Contents 



I. The Majors Call .... 

II. The Armies that Save Amid the Armies that 

Destroy ..... 

III. Dangers of the North Sea. — Winchell 

Mistaken for a Spy 

IV. The C. R. B 

V. Refugees in Holland .... 

VI. The Key that Unlocked Belgium's Door 

VII. Winchell in Germany 

VIII. Belgium's Door Opens 

IX. Interviews with German Officials 

X. What the Major Did in Belgium 

XI. The Children of Belgium . 

XII. Social Conditions .... 

XIII. Sidelight Stories of Belgian Life 

XIV. What Europe Thinks of America 

XV. Waterloo. — Shall America Lead the Na 

tions ? . . . • 



25 

3 2 

45 
54 
63 

70 

79 

95 

102 

no 

136 

144 
156 
182 

191 



15 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 

PACING 
PAGE 

Giving out Wooden Shoes in the Garden of Envoy- 
Jules Hubinout at Marchiennes-au-Pont . . . Title 

Major Winchell with Friend, in Rotterdam, Standing on 
Canal Boat and Viewing Transfer of Relief Wheat . 54 

Belgian Refugees Interned at Gouda, Holland. — One of 
the Dormitories 64 

Dr. Maximo Asenjo 72 

General Von Bissing and Staff 82 

The Passport That Gave the Major Right to Travel in 
All Parts of Belgium Under Civil Governor . . 100 

The Major Proposed to the German Authorities to Run 
" Free Rides for Belgian Kiddies," but the Proposi- 
tion was Turned Down 104 

Palace of Justice, Brussels .110 

Major Winchell and Salvation Army Relief Workers 
of Southern Belgium 116 

Major Winchell (on Balcony) and Salvation Army 
Relief Force (in White) with School Children at 
Lodelinsart 122 

A Civic Reception was Given to the Major at Lodelin- 
sart. These Two Belgian Children Brought Flowers 
and an Address in Behalf of the Public Schools Ex- 
pressing Their Gratitude to America . . . .138 

Women Mine Workers of Belgium 146 

The Last Trench 154 

ArmSe de Salut 158 

Salvation Army Relief Force with Captain Van Hoo- 
land in Charge at Verviers 170 

Form of Relief Card Used in Belgium . . . .178 




It 



>^*fe^3^% ^***^- 



^u%^j$ qi<z&/ 



i/ty^&f^** s:&n&**p/fs& 



Letters of Introduction and 
Endorsement 



State of New Jersey 
Executive Department 

October 5, 1915. 
My deae Me. Winchell : 

I am glad to learn that you have been chosen 
to take charge of the Salvation Army relief work 
in Belgium, because it opens such a large field for 
the exercise of your great talents, but as a citizen 
of Jersey City, I am sorry our city is to lose the 
benefit of your future services. When you go, take 
with you my sincere wishes for your welfare and 
success. It may be well to have a statement from 
me as Governor of New Jersey, that you are of 
American stock, and a native born citizen of the 
United States. 

Sincerely yours, 

(Signed) James F. Fieldee, 

Governor. 
19 



20 Letters of Introduction 

Department of Public Safety 

City Hall y 

Jersey City, 2$T. J. 

October 7, 1915. 
Majoe Wallace Winchell, 

Jersey City, 1ST. J. 
My dear Major : 

I regret very much that you are going to 
leave Jersey City, the home of your activities for 
many years past, but in selecting you to go to Bel- 
gium to carry on the work which you are capable, 
the head of the Salvation Army showed great wis- 
dom. I trust that your duties there will not require 
you to stay any longer than is absolutely necessary, 
for I believe your presence is greatly needed in Jer- 
sey City where you have done such excellent work. 

As head of the Police Department of Jersey 
City, I have often had occasion to congratulate you 
upon the aid you have rendered to members of the 
Department. Your sympathy and kindness for un- 
fortunate men and women have done much towards 
bringing them to a sense of their duties and mak- 
ing of them better men and women. 

I know of no one who has rendered more valua- 
ble service for the uplifting of mankind than your- 
self and I know that in your field of duty you will 
be as faithful as you have been during your activi- 
ties in this city. 

I wish you Godspeed on your journey. 
Yery sincerely yours, 

(Signed) Feank Hague, 

Director of Public Safety. 



Letters of Introduction 21 



St. Patricks Bectory, 
Jersey City, JV. J. 



October 7, WIS. 
My dear Major Winchell : 

"While I am sorry to hear of your departure 
from our midst, I am glad to know your superiors 
have recognized your work, and are sending you to 
new pastures where you can labor for the glory of 
God and the salvation of your fellow men. Since 
I first met you or knew you, I have watched you 
and I highly commend your zeal and energy. You 
have done an incalculable amount of good in Jer- 
sey City and your big heart went out to the poor 
souls by the wayside at every opportunity. The 
poor and the desolate and the street urchin will 
miss you, but may their prayers follow you beyond 
the sea. 

We wish you every success in your new and dif- 
ferent field of labor. The harvest is great ; may 
you, the reaper, succeed in filling the granary. 
Good-bye, and may God bless you. 
I am, very sincerely yours, 

(Signed) E. A. Kelly, 
Hector. 



22 Letters of Introduction 



National Headquarters, 

120 West Hth Street, 

New York. 



To All Whom It May Concern : 

This will introduce to you 

Major Wallace Winchell of the 
Salvation Army, 
who has been associated with the movement for up- 
wards of thirty years, holding important and respon- 
sible positions in the ranks. 

Major Winchell, who is an American born and 
trained officer, has for the past few years been in 
charge of the Salvation Army social work in Jer- 
sey City, New Jersey, TJ. S. A., where his efforts 
have met with great success, and where by his en- 
terprise, warm-hearted endeavors and faithful serv- 
ice, he has endeared himself to all sections of the 
community. His absence from his special activi- 
ties in the city will be sincerely regretted. 

It is a pleasure to me to recommend this officer 
to you. He has the confidence, respect and esteem 
of all his comrades in the United States. 

Evangeline Booth, 
Commander of the Salvation Army forces 
in the United States of America. 
5th October, 1915. 



Letters of Introduction 23 



Department of Public Affairs^ 
Jersey City, JV. J. 



October 4, 1915. 
To Whom It May Concern : 

I have just learned of the intention of Major 
Wallace Winchell of the Salvation Army to leave 
Jersey City, and if it were not that I know he is 
going to a greater field in which to render service, 
I would say that his leaving our city is a real cause 
for regret. 

Major WinchelPs life among us has been an ad- 
mirable one and it will be difficult, if not impossi- 
ble, to fill the place left vacant by his departure. 

He leaves with the blessings and best wishes of 
his fellow citizens who feel proud that he has been 
chosen to engage in a work so noble, and to those 
with whom he will come in contact I commend 
him, knowing that they will soon learn to appre- 
ciate his services as we have. 

Yery respectfully yours, 

Mark M. Faoan, 
Mayor. 



The Major's Call 

THE telephone rang. 
The leader of the Salvation Army- 
social forces in Northern New Jersey, 
Major "Wallace Winchell, was just donning his uni- 
form coat and cap to supervise a free ride for 
Jersey City's poor children in his big sightseeing 
auto. 

"Major," said his secretary, "Colonel Parker, 
National Headquarters, is on the wire." 

Then, from the telephone, came this message: 
" You'll faint when you hear what I have to tell 
you, Major. Are you ready for a new appoint- 
ment ? " 

Ten long years in Jersey City had endeared 
Major Winchell and his good wife to all the people. 
The suggestion of a new appointment was a poser 
indeed. 

"Where?" asked the Major. "Near New 
York?" 

" Not very near," came the answer. " It's Bel- 
gium. London wants a native American trained 
officer to distribute a relief fund among the people 
of Belgium and you are the man they have chosen." 

" I decline," was the prompt rejoinder. " 'Tis 
25 



26 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

not for me to meet a submarine or a bomb or a 
bayonet charge, or to be shot as a spy. Jersey 
City is good enough for me. Please find some one 
who has no family." 

" Well, think it over ; pray about it," replied the 
Colonel. " You are the man for whom they have 
cabled." 

Immediately the Major called up his wife who had 
fought Salvation battles at his side for the twenty- 
five years of their married life. This was the first 
thought of a parting. Mrs. Winchell, from the age 
of sixteen when she first enlisted in the Salvation 
Army, had been taught : " The Kingdom first — 
personal interests secondarily." It was a hardship 
but, heroically, she made no opposition. Moreover 
she volunteered and successfully managed the 
Major's work in Jersey City during his absence. 

A fortnight passed and then came the tidings 
that International Headquarters in London had 
cabled imperatively that Major Winchell alone 
would serve the purpose and that he must sail 
within the week. Already the need of poor Bel- 
gium, with its cities in heaps of ruin, its starving 
millions, its weeping, helpless fathers, mothers and 
little children, was very present in its mute appeal 
to the mind of the Major. Hence the second call 
came not unheeded. 

Preparations for the trip were made with the 
Major fully realizing that he would be confronted 
by all sorts of difficulties in getting through the 
fortified frontiers. A visit to Washington secured 



The Majors Call 27 

a passport signed by the Secretary of State and a 
personal letter from Hon. Joseph Tumulty, secre- 
tary to President Wilson, a townsman of the 
Major's. Feeling that other testimonials would be 
of more help in his mission than so many battle- 
ships, the Major secured such from prominent men 
who knew him and his work in Jersey City and 
elsewhere — Governor Fielder of New Jersey, Pres- 
ident Austen Colgate of the Jersey City Chamber 
of Commerce, of which the Major is a member ; 
Mayor Mark M. Fagan and Frank Hague, Director 
of Public Safety of Jersey City ; various members 
of Congress and others armed the Major for his 
conquest of European forces as a military man rep- 
resenting the Army of the Lord. 

October 9, 1915, Major Winchell sailed on S. S. 
New York of the American Line for Liverpool and 
London to report at Salvation Army International 
Headquarters for orders. There was hardly another 
American passenger, the ship's company comprising 
chiefly wives and children from the Land of the 
Maple Leaf on their way to be near loyal Canadian 
husbands and fathers who had volunteered to the 
king's colors. Posting of wireless bulletins pro- 
vided the principal excitement of the voyage, par- 
ticularly on October 14th, when came the news of 
a Zeppelin raid on London itself, sixty persons hav- 
ing been killed. 

The passengers had knowledge that the ship was 
laden with a part of the big loan of American 
bankers to the Allies and heavily provisioned with 



28 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

foodstuffs for their troops. Thus, when the New 
York entered upon the waters where the Lusitania 
and the Arabic had been sunk only a few weeks 
before by deadly torpedoes, there were many anx- 
ious hearts on board. Passing through St. George's 
Channel, during the last night out, not a few pas- 
sengers remained on deck with life-belts fastened 
about them. Next morning it was said that a 
submarine had appeared alongside in the small 
watches of early morning but, sighting the JSfew 
York's illuminated Stars and Stripes, had respect- 
fully stolen away. 

Eailroading from Liverpool to London, many 
men were seen in the khaki uniform of His Maj- 
esty's service. On arrival in the capital, thousands 
more were to be seen at every turn, countless 
numbers of whom, wounded at the front and re- 
covered in hospital, heard again the call of their 
country and rallied once more to the flag. London 
streets seemed as in other days; men went their 
ways without apparent apprehension, yet who 
could tell what horrors might be hiding behind 
the sombre clouds overhead, who could say when 
a daring Zeppelin might drop a bomb upon the 
peaceful scene ? Philosophically, the Major mused 
that more than an umbrella would be required to 
ward off bombs and that, as no one knew where 
they might fall, one might as well remain content 
wherever one happened to be. People, he was 
told, had acquired the habit of rushing frantically 
down into the " tuppenny tube " or subway when- 



The Major's Call 29 

ever Zeppelins were reported near, but "these 
Teutonic terrors of the air" come and go so 
quickly that one would be likely to be caught be- 
fore reaching any place of safety. 

One Sunday morning at Ilford, near the great 
arsenal at Woolwich, the Major's sermon was 
interrupted by loud explosions outside, and a voice 
crying, " There is an air raid. The Germans are 
above the clouds. Close the meeting ! " Crashing 
and booming the sounds continued, until the wor- 
shippers all rushed to the open air. 

" It was a bright day with fleecy clouds," relates 
the Major, "an ideal condition for Zeppelins or 
sea-planes to look down for their marks without 
detection. Nothing did we see of the fighting 
beyond the clouds although the first ones out of the 
meeting plainly observed one aeroplane winging 
back towards the Belgian coast." 

Newspapers and periodicals have dwelt upon the 
enlistment excitements in London, upon the thou- 
sands at the recruiting stations in Trafalgar Square 
and the Koyal Exchange, and upon the tens of 
thousands who gathered about to view these 
history-making episodes and to cheer every new 
contingent of volunteers. In sharp crescendo rose 
the tumult as, now and then, regiments in im- 
maculate new khaki passed on their way to the 
battle-fields. Ever and anon, in streets, in trams, 
in hotels, in theatres, in churches, in every sort 
of place where men met, was discernible an under- 
current of intensely bitter hatred of the Germans, 



30 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

a hatred which found vent in frequent outspoken 
malevolent expressions if not in actual riotous 
demonstrations. There were threats of strikes in 
shops where English workmen refused to work with 
German laborers and in very many minor ways 
this show of malice made itself felt and seen. 

A London paper published the story of how 
Major Winchell, on one occasion, had quelled a 
riot between Poles and Irish in New Jersey by 
means of bouquets of flowers and there was much 
comment upon this method of pacification. 

" If you are going to Germany, Major," said one 
Londoner, " you might prevail upon the Kaiser to 
send his Zeppelins over London to drop bouquets 
rather than murderous bombs." 

"Well, ladies and gentlemen," returned the 
Major, "if you will persuade the war leaders 
here to take the initiative by despatching a 
shipload of milk to the German babies, I will 
undertake to meet the German war lords and 
see to it that the flowers are dropped in place of 
the bombs. Much as I am averse to dizzy heights, 
I would gladly risk the adventure myself were it 
to end the war. Love is the fulfillment of the 
law, international or otherwise. This war will 
never cease until love becomes strong enough for 
you to forgive your enemies, even though they be 
Germans." 

" Don't talk foolishness," was the reply. " If you 
pose, at this time, as a messenger of peace, you will 
be arrested and examined as to your sanity." 



The Major's Call 31 

So obsessed is the European mind with thoughts 
of war that the continental peoples are amazed by 
the prevalent talk of peace and peacemaking in 
America. Probably there was, before the war, no 
American better known in Europe than Mr. Henry 
Ford. Europeans found difficulty in understanding 
that a man who had accumulated so very many 
dollars in the manufacture of automobiles should 
be unwilling to add to his wealth by selling motors 
to the warring nations. They could not compre- 
hend that a business man of his recognized caliber 
should not accept their money for armament. It 
passed their understanding, with the world's greatest 
war in progress, that a real neutral sentiment should 
exist anywhere. 

Going so far as did Mr. Henry Ford in charter- 
ing a ship and using his wealth to bring his party 
to Europe in a peacemaking pilgrimage was an 
undertaking in flagrant discord with war's knell 
of death. It was absurd, it was the apex of con- 
summate folly, declared the malignant peoples. 
Yet, while the babel of battle has detracted to a 
certain degree from the immediate efficacy of the 
peace mission, in years to come the work which 
goes forward even now in Europe will bear the 
fruit of lasting results. 

" It seems strange," said Major Winchell in con- 
versation upon this very present theme, " that the 
followers of Christ who are commanded to be 
peacemakers should be regarded as madmen." 



II 

The Armies that Save Amid the Armies 
that Destroy 

WAR is paradoxical. On the surface of 
things, soldiers of both sides are rushing 
the contending Juggernauts of War 
under the wheels of which it seems that civilization 
must be crushed, together with millions already 
slain. 

But, while the leaders of nations are pouring out 
the vials of malice and one would feel that God had 
forsaken man in the folly of his own destruction, 
mighty forces are working for the regeneration of 
the race. The press is filled with accounts of at- 
tacks and counter attacks, the business of destruc- 
tion and the political and financial bearing of the 
war's progress. 

Yet forces are being exercised to overcome evil. 
The armies that save are toiling, day and night, in 
the trenches and in the camps for the salvation of 
the troops morally and socially. For obvious rea- 
sons, very little can be said now but, after the war, 
volumes will be filled recounting these victories. 

It was Major WinchelPs privilege to come in 
touch, more or less, with some of these agencies. 

32 



The Armies That Save 33 

He heard from those who were carrying on this 
noble work the details of what was being accom- 
plished. The clergy of all denominations have 
bravely taken their places as chaplains while thou- 
sands of Christian laymen, caring not to take up 
arms, have entered Eed Cross work in which they 
can minister to the spiritual needs of the fighting 
men. 

This war has made a new France. Known in 
the past as a frivolous, fun-loving infidel nation, the 
new France will be, after the war, altogether 
different. 

There are in the great conflict no more thrilling 
achievements than the heroism of Catholic priests, 
taking their stand in the thickest of the battles and 
attending to the souls of the dying soldiers, many 
dying themselves in devotion to their duty. 

Ko greater work is being done in the Allied 
ranks than that of the Young Men's Christian 
Association. Major Winchell was so fortunate as 
to meet Major Gerald Walker Birks, millionaire 
jeweler of Montreal, Canada, and an international 
secretary of the Y. M. C. A. Major Birks is a fine 
type of the Canadian who, forsaking wealth and 
ease, volunteers to fight for the British army. But, 
having the Christian idea of things, he could see 
that a greater menace to the Canadian troops than 
the fire of the enemy was the degradation of the 
boys by the immoral influences of what are known 
as " camp followers." The number of soldiers who 
have been poisoned by venereal diseases is alarm- 



34 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

ing. Mothers have more to fear from this source 
than in the thought of a soldier's death, and hence 
have been reluctant to permit their sons to enlist. 

Major Birks and the Kev. George Adams of 
London are now in Canada raising a quarter of a 
million fund to extend Y. M. C. A. work in the 
way of providing " huts," as they are called — large 
social buildings wherein the boys may gather to 
spend their leisure time. Here the Christian touch 
is felt and the minds of the soldiers are turned 
away from sin. The great work of the Y. M. C. A. 
has scarcely been mentioned in the American press, 
but it is nevertheless vast and far reaching. 

The International Headquarters of the Salvation 
Army in London is the scene of globe-girdling ac- 
tivities, the heart and nerve centre of Salvationists 
whence arteries pulsate into the miasma of the 
great cities, into their hotbeds of crime and into 
their poverty rows. 

Thence are despatched the missionaries who toil 
ancl sacrifice for the reclamation and rehabilitation 
of the drunkard, the thief, the fallen woman of the 
streets, the careless, the indifferent, the infidel. 
From here consecrated men and women go forth 
among the millions who tread the hot sands of 
India's jungles or the fever-stricken isles of Java, 
ministering to the darkened heathen of China and 
to the lepers isolated in colonies in out-of-the-way 
places of the earth. 

The International Headquarters represents an 
organization preeminently evangelistic. Its social 



The Armies That Save 35 

enterprises but serve the great purpose of saving 
lost souls and bringing them into submission to the 
Saviour who laid down His life for them upon the 
Cross. 

During the present war the Salvation Army has 
had to readjust its operations more or less to meet 
necessities occasioned by hostilities. This great 
conflict which has separated comrades by battle- 
lines has not interfered with the motto, " Christ for 
all the world." In England, the Army has ar- 
ranged to purchase and provision ambulances which 
are driven by Salvationists to the very battle-front. 
In December, 1914, London saw a remarkable 
demonstration when five of these motor ambu- 
lances were formally dedicated by General Bram- 
well Booth at the Guildhall before an immense 
gathering over which the Lord Mayor presided. 
The cars, each eighteen feet in length and costing 
about $2,000, were fully equipped as moving hos- 
pitals and were painted in khaki color with the Bed 
Cross prominently displayed. 

General Booth, after stating that the bulk of the 
money for them had been subscribed by poor peo- 
ple, said: "My own feeling is that perhaps the 
governments of the various countries, who spend 
fabulous sums and devote the highest skill of their 
various peoples to the promotion of instruments of 
destruction, might have given a little more atten- 
tion to those which are necessary for helping the 
wounded ; and I regret that it should be necessary, 
after war has broken out, to find in this and other 



36 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

ways which are being employed, the appliances for 
that relief." 

Fully forty ambulance cars are now in service at 
the front. Their usefulness and efficiency were 
demonstrated at once. The Ambulance Unit, as it 
was christened, comprises nurses, orderlies and 
drivers who combine in constant effort to hasten 
the wounded from the firing line to the hospitals. 
Often a shattered trooper, being lifted into the 
ambulance, will glance up at the nurse, recognize 
the Salvation Army uniform and gasp : " Why, 
I'm a Salvationist ! I'm on the Soldiers' Boll at 
home. At last I've landed on the Salvation car." 

When General Booth recently dedicated six 
additional cars at the Congress Hall, Clapton, the 
occasion was made memorable by the presence of 
several officers who had seen service with the corps 
first sent out and who told of thrilling battle-front 
adventures, of souls saved at the very jaws of 
death. These heroes and heroines showed plainly 
signs of the strain and tension of months at the 
front, deeply impressing the great assemblage. 
One among them, Adjutant Lucy Lee, told of 
visiting the field hospitals regularly, leaving at 
each bed two sheets of writing paper, two en- 
velopes, a pencil, a bar of chocolate, a box of pep- 
permints, a Testament and a tract. She, like her 
fellows in the field, has strung around her neck 
note-books in which to enter names and addresses 
of wives, mothers, sisters, sweethearts and others 
to whom suffering soldiers beg her to write. Half* 



The Armies That Save 37 

a-dozen pencils, sharpened at both ends, are stuck 
into buttonholes of her jacket, ready for instant 
use, as not a moment must be lost through worn- 
down points or broken pencils in visiting 400 bed- 
sides a day. 

Towards the end of last year, the British Salva- 
tion Army workers were permitted to enter French 
field hospitals and more than a few converts re- 
sulted by visits of French soldiers to the corps hall 
at Nimes, one recruit to God's service being a 
French colonel's son. 

In England the Salvation Army early in the 
war placed at government disposal every one of 
its many buildings and halls, 183 of which have 
been used to advantage by the authorities. The 
Army has opened in England 130 rest, refreshment 
and recreation rooms for soldiers while, in warm 
weather, tents have been employed for like pur- 
poses, Branch post-offices are attached to many 
of these resting-places which are in charge of ex- 
perienced married officers, and the presence of a 
good, sympathetic woman of the ideal, priceless 
Salvation Army type is of untold value. The wife 
"mothers" the troops, sends messages to their 
wives, parents or sweethearts, is confidante and 
counsellor on a multitude of questions, nurse for 
little ailments, mends the clothes when needed, 
and aids in all the countless directions in which a 
motherly woman's talents are indispensable. The 
officers, as a rule, have knowledge of " first aid " 
and cases of slight mishap are often taken to the 



38 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

Salvation Army rest rather than to a local hos* 
pital. It is estimated that as many as 650,000 men 
take advantage each week of the hospitality of 
these places. On both sides of the firing lines 
Salvationists are teaching men how to live and 
how to die. 

A story in point concerns the song, " Tipperary," 
so popular with the British soldiery. The wife of 
a Birmingham Salvationist, who had volunteered 
to fight for his country, said to him : " I can com- 
pose better words for you to sing as you march 
along." Accordingly she wrote the following to 
the tune of " Tipperary " : 

On the ocean of love and mercy, 

To the home land I go. 

I am determined to trust the journey 

To the safest hands I know. 

Good-bye, sin and folly, 

Farewell, worldly care ! 

For the port of Glory lies before me 

And my home is there ! 

This song the comrade sang as he was marching to 
the advance. The man next, hearing the words, 
asked what they were and was given a copy. 
Soon the entire regiment had learned the new 
words to the merry air of " Tipperary " and they 
became popular by reason of their spiritual senti- 
ment. 

Among the innumerable Salvationist officers who 
have done valiant service is Lieutenant-Colonel 



The Armies That Save 39 

Joseph McKenzie who came with the Australian 
troops to the peninsular campaign. "Wherever the 
battle raged fiercest, he was in the midst, helping 
by his prayers and by his words of good cheer. 
There was no task too difficult for him. He cared 
for the personal necessities of all with whom he 
came in contact. Hard work and devotion to 
duty won for him the sobriquet of "Holy Joe." 
All the troops loved him. He seemed always to 
have a supply of whatever was needed. Let the 
want be made known, he would produce the re- 
quired article. No chaplain or other Christian 
worker among the soldiers could draw a larger 
crowd on a Sunday because the men all loved 
" Holy Joe " and they believed in him. 

The faith and Christian bravery of some rough, 
illiterate British Salvationists, the peace and happi- 
ness constantly manifested by these diamonds in 
crude state, and their amazing power over the un- 
converted have been subjects of frequent com- 
ment. One such is told about who found him- 
self in the barrack dormitory for the first time. 
Cursing, swearing and ribaldry were all around 
him. Surely, he fancied, it were easier to go into 
action than to kneel and pray in such a company, 
yet in the courage of conviction he knelt and 
prayed. There were a few whistles and jeers, a 
boot and a pillow were flung at him, but he did 
not move. The cursing gradually subsided and 
there was silence in the room. Next day, several 
men sought him out to say that they, too, were 



40 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

Christians but had not dared face that fire alone 
and, at night, they also knelt in prayer unmo- 
lested. By degrees the unpolished but sincere 
Salvationist became "the conscience of the com- 
pany." 

Sufficient men to form an entire battalion were 
recruited from Salvation Army institutions. These 
men, robbed of the physical attributes essential to 
the soldier, were received in a state of unfitness. 
Yet, after months of good food, steady occupation, 
regular hours and the message of hope, they 
marched forth in splendid array to serve their 
king and country. Several of their number had 
formerly held regular army commissions but had 
lost them. They were reinstated. One clever 
fellow, a remarkable linguist who had been res- 
cued by the Salvation Army from uttermost deg- 
radation, was promptly assigned to an important 
position in the Intelligence Department of the 
British forces. 

What is termed an emergency home for sailors 
and soldiers is being run as an adjunct to the 
Salvation Army corps in Liverpool. This is an 
institution of rare usefulness and has proved of 
real value to upward of 3,000 service men. 

It was established to meet an urgent need. A 
Salvation scout discovered that scores of sailors and 
soldiers who had arrived in the city during the 
night or had missed the last trains to further 
destinations were falling an easy prey to prowlers 
of the night and the number of men fleeced began 



The Armies That Save 41 

to assume such startling proportions that some 
action was demanded. To the great relief and joy 
of many, the Salvation Army came forward, took 
a three-story building, furnished it sufficiently, 
provided plenty of wholesome reading, blankets 
and pillows and, in addition, opened a refreshment 
buffet, setting to work to gather in the men. 

A brigade of workers was formed and repre- 
sentatives were told off for duty at the various 
stations, while others patrolled the main city 
thoroughfares. Station and military police leagued 
themselves with the endeavor and happy results 
were achieved straightway. Many of the men so 
helped have been discharged from hospitals and 
convalescent camps. For the benefit of these a 
special room has been set apart, furnished by a 
leading shipping firm with thirty lounge deck 
chairs. 

" This," says the captain in charge, " is certainly 
the most interesting room of the establishment. 
The men chat about things that happened ' some- 
where in France/ of battles fought, of wounds re- 
ceived, and it is surprising how many have been 
cared for by Salvation Army ambulance cars and 
visited by Army sisters in the hospitals." 

All sleeping accommodation in the home is free 
though a small charge is made for refreshments. 
Much good has been accomplished as a result of 
the little chats that officers manage to have with 
the men and a number of conversions have been 
recorded. One Canadian volunteer, a Salvationist, 



42 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

told of meetings held on the battle-line in France. 
" It would do your soul good," he said, " to hear 
one of my converts testify among his old comrades 
and to see how zealous the boy is in trying to secure 
the saving of others. God is making us a blessing. 
We have had some pretty lively times in the 
spiritual as well as in the terrestrial war. We 
have been greeted with stones and the like but we 
have had a rare old time just the same. The devil 
has put his foot in it again for we have been able 
to hold meetings in many sections and to claim 
many fresh listeners." 

The influence of the Salvation Army throughout 
the terrible war has been a leaven which has saved 
and healed. Thousands who have gone to the 
front as sinners have accepted God's saving mercies 
in the camps and along the battle-front. The man 
behind all this monumental work, General Bram- 
well Booth, it was Major WinchelPs privilege to 
meet in London before proceeding to the continent. 

Major WinchelPs interview with the General had 
been delayed three weeks because of an accident 
which befell the latter upon the day of the Major's 
arrival in England. Finally, however, it was 
arranged by Colonel Kitching, secretary for the 
European continent, for the American visitor to 
meet his distinguished leader and Mrs. Booth and 
to take tea with them. A very inspiring hour it 
was to the Major. The man upon whose shoulders 
has fallen the mantle of the founder of the Army 
is a masterful organizer of brilliant intellectual 



The Armies That Save 43 

capacity and a dynamo of spiritual power. He is 
about sixty years of age. 

Of General Bramwell Booth as a public char- 
acter a recent writer said : 

"It is the rare business and executive ability of 
General Bramwell Booth, coupled with his devotion 
to the Salvation Army, his unswerving loyalty to 
the principles for which it stands, his steadfast 
refusal to be swayed by ism or schism, his strong 
and enduring affection for men whom he regarded 
as lost and his comprehensive knowledge of men 
and systems which made him available for the 
position he now occupies. As * the Bishop of the 
Established Church of the Poor,' he is generally 
regarded in Salvation Army circles as a worthy 
successor of his illustrious father." 

The General told the Major much of the relation 
of the Salvation Army work to the war. Particu- 
larly was he interested in the religious labors and 
the saving of souls. The poor people of Belgium 
in their great misfortunes, he said, bore heavily 
upon his heart. He had a fund that had been 
contributed for the purpose of feeding and clothing 
needy Belgians under Salvation Army ministra- 
tions. Something of the general scheme of relief 
work had been undertaken by Major Iseley of 
Switzerland at the beginning of the war but he 
had not been allowed to return after the border 
sentry had been organized by the German army. 

For this reason an American had been called to 
assume the direction of the work and to continue 



44 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

the disbursement of the fund. Some notion of the 
scope of this undertaking may be gained by a 
glance at a list of the divisions of the work. Its 
five departments were : 

1. Soup kitchens for school children. 

2. Supplying milk for babies. 

3. Grants of money to families in greatest need. 

4. Clothing to the naked. 

5. Securing land for the unemployed on which 
to raise potatoes. 

After giving to Major "Winchell his commission 
to undertake these labors, the General knelt and 
offered a powerful prayer for God's guidance in 
the difficulties that would be encountered and for 
the poor, unhappy world in its sin and war. 



in 

Dangers of the North Sea. — Winchell 
Mistaken for a Spy 

LEAVING- London in war time is not so easy 
as in times of peace. Major Winchell found 
his American passport was all right. That 
passport had been scrutinized most carefully before 
landing at Liverpool. The British official who 
boarded the ship, hearing explanations of the 
Major's work in Belgium, had imprinted his 
rubber stamp on the back of the document, giving 
entrance to England and with it the official's best 
wishes, for he had said : " May you have success 
in your noble mission." 

To leave England, it was necessary to visit the 
permit bureau of the British "War Office in Down- 
ing Street where, after careful investigation by the 
authorities, permission was granted and the pass- 
port viseed. Then permission to enter Holland had 
to be obtained at the office of the Dutch consul- 
general. While Holland is not at war, precautions 
are taken as strictly as if the country were actually 
involved in the great struggle. 

Because of the submarine activities in the North 
Sea, no passenger vessels attempt to sail those 
waters at night. Boarding the Batavier II at 

45 



46 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

Tilbury on the Thames and retiring to his state- 
room at ten p. m., Major Winchell awoke in the 
morning in what was described as "the mouth 
of the Thames" although no land was in sight. 
The crossing was altogether uneventful, quite un- 
like the return trip over the same North Sea which 
few people choose to travel over in these days. 
Eeturning there were scarcely a dozen passengers, 
whereas in normal times thousands would be cross- 
ing from all points between the various ports of the 
continent and England. Passenger lists nowadays 
comprise chiefly Eed Cross nurses, government 
couriers and other officials and those who, like the 
Major, are compelled to journey on some important 
duty. Pleasure seekers are few and far between, 
and pleasures still fewer and farther between. 

No mention being made subsequently of the 
Major's return voyage to America, this is a fitting 
place to describe briefly his recrossing of the North 
Sea, on the same ship, Batavier II. Early one 
morning, when the vessel was perhaps twenty miles 
from shore, the captain ordered every one to the 
upper deck saying : 

" Ladies and gentlemen, you must all allow life- 
belts to be adjusted. You must continue to wear 
them for the next six hours. "We are now entering 
the field of mines where so many vessels have been 
sunk during the past eight weeks. We may strike 
a mine at any moment and no one knows what 
damage might result. You must remain up here. 
If anything happens to the ship and vou are alive, 



Dangers of the North Sea 47 

you can take to the life-boats." Then he indicated 
the particular boat that each passenger was to board 
in such an extremity. 

The six hours that followed were truly of high 
tension. Here and there were objects floating 
on the water that to the untrained appeared to 
be mines. War vessels were passed, one a mine 
sweeper. When midway across, there came to 
view a large ship listing heavily and more than 
half submerged. Four or five war vessels were 
coming to the rescue. The disabled ship was the 
British auxiliary cruiser, JFauvette, which had been 
torpedoed half-an-hour earlier by a German sub- 
marine. Fourteen men had been killed and some 
fifty-seven survivors were rescued by the war 



Upon arrival at Eotterdam, for some reason, no 
one was at the landing to guide the American 
through a city whose customs were strange to him 
and whose language he did not understand. But 
the Dutch are accomplished linguists. As a rule, 
any one in Holland, carrying an intelligent face, 
may be accosted safely in English (or German or 
French, for that matter) and usually he can make 
himself understood. Hence the Major soon found 
himself comfortably settled in a room at the famous 
cosmopolitan hostelry known as the Hotel Coomans. 
Expecting to stop only a day or two before pro- 
ceeding to Belgium, he was ill-prepared for the 
eruel turn of Fate that ordered otherwise and held 
him here for many weeks. 



48 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

Weeks they were crowded with disappointment 
and suspense. One day would bring promises of 
early admission to his objective point, Belgium, and 
the next would discover the way blocked by almost 
insurmountable obstacles. It was a case of watch- 
ing and waiting, repeated seemingly indefinitely. 

Upon the first evening the Major strolled forth 
to see what Holland's representative city, Rotter- 
dam, looked like in these times of war. He had 
heard, on the trip over, all kinds of stories of the 
varying systems of espionage maintained in this 
city, more than in any other place in the world, 
since the commencement of the war. He had been 
told of Dutch spies, English spies, Belgium spies, 
German spies and even American spies who would 
watch one's every move. Each arrival, coming to do 
hospital or relief work, hears these tales on all sides. 

It was only natural to presume that people in 
hotels and streets were looking out for the inter- 
ests of their various countries and the Major did 
not doubt that, with his unusual commission of an 
unusual character, he was especially a marked man. 
Had he been a regular Red Cross worker or a mem- 
ber of the American commission for relief in Bel- 
gium there would have been not so much question. 

But the German authorities were not thoroughly 
conversant with the novel proposition. Under 
ordinary circumstances, of course, the Salvation 
Army commands the admiration of all nations 
and its soldiers pass unquestioned upon their 
efficient work of mercy and uplift. In times of 



Dangers of the North Sea 49 

war, every man is an object of suspicion, especially 
if he comes from afar. Previous to the Major's 
appointment, the Army had striven to get into 
Belgium other officers of rank from neutral coun- 
tries, notably Holland and Switzerland, to carry 
on this very task. Presumably they had failed 
because the Germans wished to ban all representa- 
tives of an organization originating in England and 
with headquarters in London, a ban promoted not 
so much for specific reasons as on general prin- 
ciples. The American Major was confronted by 
the same obstacles. 

Before importing a representative from America, 
the Salvation Army officials in London had ar- 
ranged with Mr. Herbert Hoover, head of the 
Commission for Belief in Belgium, to the end 
that a relief officer, while not a member of the 
Commission, might enter Belgium and work under 
its guidance and direction. A letter, issued by its 
manager, in Mr. Hoover's absence, read : 

Inter-Office Communication 
The Commission for Relief in Belgium 

3 London Wall Buildings, 

London, October W, 1915. 

De. Yeenon L. Kellogg, 

Director in Belgium, Commission for 
Belief in Belgium, Brussels. 

Dear Kellogg : This will introduce Major Wallace 
Winchell of the Salvation Army who has just ar- 



5<d A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

rived from America and is proceeding to Belgium 
to take over the direction of his organization in 
that country. 

Major Winchell has no connection with us, but, 
obviously, under such a man as he, the work of his 
organization will considerably aid our endeavors. 
It is because of this fact that Mr. Hoover took an 
interest in bringing him over and that we are now 
assisting him to reach Belgium. 

He carries excellent credentials which, I am sure, 
he will be pleased to show you. I have no doubt 
you will welcome his arrival and encourage the 
pleasant relations which are called for in the 
circumstances. 

"With kind regards, 

Yery sincerely yours, 

W. L. Hounold. 



The first morning, after reaching Kotterdam, 
Major Winchell made his way to 96 Harringvliet, 
headquarters of the Commission in that city, pre- 
senting his letter to Mr. C. A. Young, director in 
Holland. This gentleman, a fine type of an 
American, offered a whole-souled welcome, read 
the visitor's letters and testimonials, and promptly 
introduced him to the American consul who 
promised support. Then they proceeded to the 
German consulate. 

Passport was duly presented and letters of 
recommendation shown. Mr. Young made an 
effort to secure for his guest the regular Com- 
mission pass to go by the motor car which 
operates from Bosendaal, Holland, to Brussels 



Dangers of the North Sea 51 

and return thrice a week. But the German gen- 
tleman, Mr. Fischer, although exceptionally ami- 
able, had his supply of Teutonic red tape to 
measure out, so he said : 

"No. I must have instructions from head- 
quarters in Brussels. This is not regular. Mr. 
Winchell is not a member of the Commission and 
he needs a regular pass." Hundreds of Americans, 
coming to do business in Belgium, have been kept 
back in very nearly similar manner, though this 
fact was poor consolation. 

" How long before instructions will be received ? " 
queried Major Winchell. 

"I don't know. Probably a week," was the 
reply. 

The week dragged slowly to a close and then a 
telegram to Politisch Abteilung in Brussels elicited 
the information that the pass was refused, that the 
Major could not enter Belgium. No reason was 
given to show why the door was closed against 
him. So a call was made upon the American 
Minister at The Hague, Dr. Henry Yan Dyke, 
known to all the world for his brilliant writings. 
Major Winchell, like all other good Americans 
embarrassed in any way while in Holland, found 
that the Minister will stand by them and that 
Henry Yan Dyke knows how to fight. His ad- 
vice in this instance was to await Mr. Hoover's 
return to Eotterdam and Brussels, announced for 
an early date. 

Another fortnight of delay, spent chiefly among 



52 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

the Belgian refugees in Holland, preceded the ar- 
rival of the relief commissioner. Mr. Hoover's 
name will live as that of a great American for his 
indefatigable and immensely successful efforts in 
feeding the Belgian sufferers. Assuring Major 
Winchell that his best endeavors would be en- 
listed in the attempt to straighten out difficulties 
and secure entrance into Belgium, Mr. Hoover 
proceeded to Brussels whence he returned in a 
week saying : 

" I had a long interview about you, Major. The 
German authorities must have made some mistake. 
They have you down as a member of some espio- 
nage. You are under suspicion." 

" Can they not comprehend," returned the Major, 
" that I am not here of my own choice and that 
I have a straight and honorable record ? We have 
this fund to relieve suffering among the poor and 
it is a pity that it may not be disbursed for that 
object. I am fully aware that the few thousand 
dollars that I have is nothing compared with the 
work that your Commission is doing. It is only a 
drop in the bucket." 

" Every drop counts," commented Mr. Hoover. 

" Shall I remain in Holland or return to New 
York?" asked the Major, thoroughly discour- 
aged. 

" Wait here a few days," was the answer. " I'm 
returning to Brussels to-day and I will do whatever 
I can to effect the entrance into Belgium." 

A few more days elapsed before Mr. Hoover came 



Dangers of the North Sea 53 

back to Eotterdam bringing the tidings that the 
German authorities did not want Major "Wmchell 
in Belgium. 
What was the Major to do ? 



IV 
The C. R. B. 

WHEN in Kotterdam Major "Winchell pre- 
pared a survey for the " Commission for 
Belief in Belgium." It was difficult to 
grasp its immensity. 

" This is the modern miracle of the loaves," he 
remarked to Mr. Hoover, its organizer and director. 
" The feeding of Belgium, day after day, month 
after month, is an achievement that lifts America 
as the Angel of Mercy above the smoke and din of 
battle and makes it immortal in the world's su- 
preme moment of hate and strife." 

In Europe he found that President Wilson's 
administration is praised for this organized out- 
pouring to little Belgium. The business men of 
that country appealed to Mr. Brand Whitlock, the 
American Minister, and to the Marquis de Yillalo- 
var, Spanish Minister, in Brussels, who in turn 
discussed the matter with Dr. Page, American 
Ambassador in London. Our honored President of 
the United States consented to head the movement 
which action on his part has facilitated immeasur- 
ably its success. Some one they must find with 
the influence and capacity to organize, and some 

54 ' 




MAJOR WINCHELL WITH FRIEND, IN ROTTERDAM, STAND- 
ING ON CANAL BOAT AND VIEWING TRANSFER OF 
RELIEF WHEAT. 



The C. R. B. S5 

one who would be acceptable to Germans and 
Allies alike. Dr. Page named Herbert Hoover, an 
American, and it was for America as a nation to 
lead in the great work of succor. The name of 
Herbert Hoover will be written with the illustrious 
names in the annals of both America and Europe 
for what has been done in Belgium. 

Before we tell of the work that he has directed 
during the past year, it will be interesting to recall 
the help that he gave to his fellow countrymen at 
the outbreak of the war. When hostilities were 
declared there was a stampede from the continent. 
England was swamped by stranded Americans, not 
stranded so much for lack of money but because no 
business concern or railway or steamship would 
recognize paper fiat or letters of credit. Gold or 
silver were the only things that would count. 
These Americans, not having either, were "up 
against it," as the vernacular goes. England had 
declared war. They all wanted to go home. But 
how could they get across the sea ? 

Herbert Hoover, whose mining interests have 
offices in London, saw the plight of these Ameri- 
cans. He had confidence in the integrity of his 
countrymen ; whether or not this confidence would 
prove misplaced was not the question. They must 
be helped out of England. So he assisted one and 
all, white and black, by loaning gold on their per- 
sonal notes. His faith in Americans was justified 
for, after the lapse of a year, he found that he had 
lost less than one per cent. The United States 



56 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

battle-ship Tennessee soon bore relief to the situa- 
tion. Every State in the Union organized, the 
governors appointing representative men as chair- 
men to arrange appeals for funds, food and wearing 
apparel. Headquarters were established in London, 
New York, Eotterdam and Brussels. Other neutral 
governments, notably Spain and Holland, followed 
the example, and the response from everywhere has 
been unprecedented. 

The entire movement directed by Mr. Hoover 
must of necessity be unselfish, unbiased and un- 
compromising in accomplishment of one task — 
feeding the starving of Belgium. Were anything 
to distract from this purpose, it must utterly fail. 
The work of relief was not to be of a day or a 
month, as in case of earthquake or flood disasters, 
but of one, two or more years until the war should 
end. Had the work been in the hands of a man 
less fitted, it would have been wrecked long ago. 

Major Winchell recently discussed the matter 
with Dr. Henry Yan Dyke, at The Hague, who 
described how many times the movement had 
glided narrowly past the danger rocks. Here be 
it known that Dr. Van Dyke's counsel has been of 
inestimable value to Mr. Hoover and the Com- 
mission. 

Such a Commission, it was early realized, must 
necessarily embrace two distinctive organizations 
working in perfect harmony, hence these were 
formulated : 

First : The Commission itself, the " C. K. B.," to 



The C. R. B. 57 

find funds and attend to buying, shipping, lighter- 
ing and distribution to the various centres of 
Belgium. 

Second : The organization of responsible Belgians 
to receive the foodstuffs, bake the bread, cook the 
food and dispense it to the entire population, so 
that not one should be missed. For this purpose 
was instituted " The Comite National de Secours et 
d' Alimentation " with offices in every city and in 
rural sections. This was made up of 4,000 local 
committees and 30,000 voluntary coadjutors. Mr. 
Emile Francqui was chosen president of its ex- 
ecutive committee. The Comite National and the 
Comite Francaise, organized in Northern France on 
similar lines, act in complete accord with the 
C. E. B., the two organizations completing and 
dovetailing each other and being closely joined, the 
one, so to say, the exterior and the other the in- 
terior agent of the commercial work of charity. 

The Commission has been merely buying and 
dispensing the simple necessities to sustain life such 
as meat, bacon, lard, wheat, flour, rice, maize, peas, 
beans, sugar, coffee and soap. They purchase ship- 
loads of provisions from the United States, Canada, 
South America, Australia and all parts of the earth 
where these essentials are obtainable. The enormity 
of the undertaking can be comprehended only when 
it is known that 80,000,000 kilos, or 80,000 tons, 
of foodstuffs are gathered by the Commission every 
month by donation or purchase. These would be 
appraised at a value of $6,000,000 a month. 



58 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

Through courtesy of Director Young, represent- 
ing the Commission in Kotterdam, one of its own 
tugs carried the American visitor about the entire 
harbor of that great port, affording a view of the 
mammoth grain elevators unloading ships into 
canal boats which are towed by small tugs up the 
various canals to distributing points in Flanders, 
Southern Belgium and Northern France. Since 
October 26, 1914, to November 15, 1915, something 
like 312 steamers, exclusively laden with foodstuffs 
— excepting some cases of clothing — destined for 
Belgium were affreighted and discharged at Kotter- 
dam, a thousand million kilos of foodstuffs. The 
average expenses of this freight have been much 
under usual prices thanks to the managers of rail- 
ways and to the generosity of kind helpers. On one 
hand the Commission has had the blessing and co- 
operation of good people everywhere, yet on the 
other hand it has met with difficulties that have 
hindered and hampered in the effort to bring its 
vessels to Europe. 

The war has completely upset the freights and 
maritime insurances. People could not be left for 
a day dependent upon the arrival of a vessel which 
might be hindered by storm or seized by a belliger- 
ent ship. Food must be stored to meet such emer- 
gency. The C. E. B. has obtained from the German 
authorities promise of unmolested passage. 

Foodstuffs gathered at Eotterdam have to be 
forwarded for consumption in Belgium and this is 
not at all an easy task. At the outset, all ways of 



The C. R. B: 59 

transportation and usable lines of communication 
became unavailable in Belgium ; railways not des- 
troyed were reserved for German soldiery ; trans- 
portation by automobile existed no longer. Canals 
only are now in requisition and many of these have 
had to be repaired. 

The Comite National has given great credit to 
the Americans undertaking this difficult task, feel- 
ing that all honor is due to the volunteer staff, 
organized for their energy and tact in carrying out 
a thankless job. More than a hundred of these 
American volunteers have worked for the C. K. B. 
in Belgium this year, half of whom are permanent 
residents. There have been a few instances of mem- 
bers returning to America and saying things that 
have made the Commission's work more difficult. 

It may prove interesting to know how distribu- 
tion is made by the Comite National de Secours et 
d' Alimentation which serves three classes of peo- 
ple : First, the wealthy Belgians who buy food 
and pay profits. Second, the laborers who have 
income through work and purchase at the actual 
cost to the Commission. Third, the million or more 
helpless poor who must be supplied without recom- 
pense. Each class is served alike in the portions 
they receive. 

The entire country, including the northern part 
of France now held by Germany, has its local 
relief stations, each with a supervisor and staff. 
Every applicant is given a weekly ticket entitling 
him to his portion, this ticket being cancelled daily 



60 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

as he receives his allowance. In this vast relief we 
have an object lesson of the greatest charity ever 
organized in an exigency of war and not unlike an 
ideal Socialism. 

The need is as great to-day as at the outbreak of 
the war. It is only the contributions of money and 
clothing that make possible the existence of mil- 
lions. Those who have contributed — governments 
of various countries, governors of States, mayors 
and committees in our cities and towns, and the 
millers of America — may know that their gifts 
have touched the spot. 

The work of the Commission has been variously 
subdivided. A prominent division is the system of 
" baby canteens," one or more of which institutions 
is to be found in each of the large cities of the 
stricken land. These are provided for children 
under three years of age, appropriate food and di- 
rect medical attendance being assured. Parents are 
required to bring their children for periodical inspec- 
tion in order that food may be prepared in accord- 
ance with the progress of individual babies. More 
than one hundred such canteens are in operation, 
having been inspired originally by one establish- 
ment in Brussels started by a society of Belgian 
ladies known as Les Petites Abeilles (The Little 
Bees). 

Children old enough to attend school are fed in 
certain sections at the public schools in order that 
they may have proper nourishment. For older 
persons, communal committees or benevolent ladies 



The C. R. B. 61 

have established in some centres "economic" res- 
taurants wherein palatable meals are to be had at 
prices ranging from fifteen to twenty-five centimes. 

The clothing establishment at the Commission's 
headquarters attains to the size and dignity of a 
great department store. All sorts of articles of 
raiment — clothes, hats, footwear and blankets as 
well — are furnished to the needy while the remak- 
ing and renovating of garments gives employment 
at living wages to 15,000 persons. Besides cloth- 
ing the people of Belgium, this establishment has 
supplied also Belgian and French refugees in France 
and has afforded accommodations to the Eockef eller 
Foundation which has undertaken the care of Bel- 
gian refugees in Holland. 

Another enterprise of importance is the provision 
for doctors and pharmacists whose regular incomes 
have been practically stopped by the war but the 
need of whose services has been increased by the 
same cause. Painters, sculptors, musicians and 
other artists have been provided for by a special 
fund and arrangements have been formulated for 
the partial support of the lace industry in which 
some 50,000 workers, chiefly women, were thrown 
out of employment. In the instance last named, it 
was seen that destitution would fall not only upon a 
peculiar class of female home workers but that the 
skill of the craft would suffer serious deterioration. 
Some lace already has been exported under these 
auspices to foreign markets. 

Provisions have been made also for rehabilitating 



62 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

churches, assisting the clergy, helping impoverished 
foreigners, and caring for weak-minded or tubercu- 
lous persons, formerly housed by the Belgian gov- 
ernment. 



Refugees in Holland 

DURING his stop in Holland, Major Win- 
chell wrote a report of his work there in 
which he said : 

" With the fall of Antwerp in October, 1914, a 
half-million of Belgium's terrified population fled 
to Holland and England. Stories of privation, 
hunger and death among these refugees were told 
to the world at the time. What has become of the 
refugees after a year's time ? 

" Soldiers and civilians swarmed over the border, 
some by land, some by canal and river boats and 
many by swimming. Household goods and other 
property left behind, the majority came with little 
to provide for their livelihood. Thousands brought 
money with them, some enough to keep themselves 
going without outside aid for a long time, while 
others had enough only for a few weeks. Many 
thousands, especially the business men and those 
with property interests, returned to Belgium to 
reside and resume business. The German author- 
ities were anxious to maintain normal conditions. 

" To the Dutch authorities the influx of Belgians 
was a complex problem, for in normal times this 

63 



64 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

little country finds it difficult to care for its own 
people and unemployed. 

" One American woman — formerly Staff-Captain 
Alice Parker, in charge of a Salvation Army corps 
in Fourteenth Street, New York City — married a 
Utrecht merchant six years ago and is now known 
as Mrs. Jurritsma. When she saw the thousands 
of poor, terrified Belgians streaming through the 
streets of Utrecht her heart was moved to pity. 
The Dutch government had hastily erected barbed- 
wire fences and set up tents near Amersfoort as a 
camp of detention for interned soldiers who had 
been disarmed at the border. Many of their fami- 
lies had followed and their wives and children 
were shelterless upon the roads. Mrs. Jurritsma 
tells her story : 

" ' Going to the representative of the Nova Scotia 
government I poured out my heart and told him of 
the needs of these men, women and children. He 
gave me all the clothing that came on a great ship, 
the Doria, 6,000 cases. Most of these we gave to 
the Belgian refugees, women and children. Several 
times representatives came to see me and to look 
over our work. "We hired a big house and em- 
ployed ten refugees, men and women, for months 
because of the magnitude of our work. I wrote to 
the British consul, my letter being forwarded to 
Sir Edward Grey, and the first thing I knew they 
had printed my letter, just as it was, in the Times 
and the Daily Mail of London which resulted in 
getting a large fund of thousands of pounds, which 




BELGIAN REFUGEES INTERNED AT GOUDA, HOLLAND. 
ONE OF THE DORMITORIES. 



Refugees in Holland 65 

money was expended by a committee in London, 
buying all sorts of comforts and hundreds of cases 
of goods for shipment to me. 

" ' More than 25,000 sets of undergarments were 
distributed, and when you add to this the tens of 
thousands of other garments, shirts, mufflers, 
women's and children's clothes, shoes, etc., you 
can get some idea of the magnitude of my work. 
Had I not been a Salvationist the people would 
never have trusted me with all these goods, but 
owing to my long experience in the Salvation 
Army in America and the helping grace of God, 
I was able to quickly comprehend the needs of 
these poor, destitute sufferers and to do something.' 

"A person cannot pass through the interned 
civilian camps without being overwhelmed by the 
conditions under which these people live. The 
Gouda camp is situated in a large greenhouse 
located in the mud between two canals. It is 
fetid and unsanitary. There is no privacy. Hun- 
dreds of men, women and children of all ages are 
compelled to sleep on large platforms on hard floors 
with few coverings. Pieces of cardboard separate 
families. The children are unwashed and go about 
with sores in their eyes and on their bodies, 
contagion resulting. The social conditions brought 
about, so I was told by those in charge, will do 
more harm to the future race than the devastation 
of their homes by shot and shell. 

"The Salvation Army is trying to solve this 
problem but needs funds. If each family could 



66 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

own a detachable bungalow, it would be a blessing. 
Such cost something like $250 each. When the 
war is ended, they could be taken down and trans- 
ported to the occupants' native town in Belgium 
and erected for future homes. In such quarters 
hope takes the place of despair. The London 
Society of Friends have accomplished much in 
building these bungalows." 

The Christian Herald of New York City, a 
paper known the world over for its foremost efforts 
in behalf of sufferers in wars, famines and other 
catastrophes, by the aid of its great-hearted and 
public-spirited constituency, came early to the 
front in the assistance of the widows and orphans 
of stricken Europe. The first to suffer were the 
Belgians, so this splendid paper's fund was divided 
with headquarters in London, The Hague and 
Brussels to care for the helpless and destitute ones. 
Major Winchell found evidences everywhere of the 
thorough and systematic aid given through this 
agency. The people were loud in their praise of 
the relief fund of the Christian Herald which, 
thus far, has amounted to $198,810. 

" There are fully 100,000 Belgians scattered 
throughout Holland. Many — in fact, thousands — 
have been transferred to England where work is 
found for them in fields or factories. Sundry 
English towns are being colonized to such an ex- 
tent that the Belgians are outnumbering the 
English but the plan is to return all to Belgium 
after peace is declared. 



Refugees in Holland 67 

"The detention camps are divided — part for 
soldiers, numbering more than 30,000, mainly at 
Ziest and Harderwijk, and part for civilians and 
families, located at Gouda, Nunspeet, Ede, Uden 
and other points, numbering 60,000. The condi- 
tions for civilians are deplorable while the soldiers 
fare very well and seem to be healthy and happy. 

"While the soldiers are being well cared for 
there comes another aspect which is sad indeed. 
The towns and villages surrounding the camps of 
interned Belgian troopers are crowded with thou- 
sands of women and children for whom little or no 
provision has been made. Most of these are of the 
respectable class and suffer more, as their pride 
keeps their wants unknown. I know this, for I 
have visited them in their homes and administered 
in a small way to their needs." 

Major Winchell will never forget the Christmas 
Eve of 1915, spent with a number of young 
Belgian students of Louvain University, that 
magnificent institution that was made a desola- 
tion. They had left their studies and rushed to 
Liege at the outbreak of the war, fighting for their 
native land, for their homes and institutions. 
Courageously, they had resisted the Germans all 
the way to Antwerp. After the siege, they were 
driven over into Holland and were interned at the 
Ziest camp. But, through the efforts of Prof. 
Albert G. van Hecht, formerly of Louvain, a 
house was secured for them that they might con- 
tinue their studies in connection with the University 



68 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

of Utrecht. The Hollandish government and 
educational authorities have extended to these fine 
young men the advantages of their facilities not 
only in Utrecht but in Amsterdam and Leyden as 
well. Professor Yan Hecht was sent by the 
Belgian government and is now raising a fund 
directed from the Belgian Bureau, New York 
City. 

Mrs. Jurritsma invited the Major to join with 
her in a Christmas tree celebration for these lads. 
Seeing that Christmas would pass with no one near 
to cheer them, the tree was purchased, through the 
fund at the Major's disposal, and a bag of con- 
fectionery was forthcoming for each one. Win- 
chell's speech was interpreted in French and Dutch, 
part of the guests being Flemish and the rest 
"Wallony." The young fellows evidenced un- 
bounded appreciation and one, chosen for the 
reason that he spoke English, acknowledged 
gracefully their delight upon the remembrance 
of them at the feast of Christ's nativity. 

On the following day, Mrs. Jurritsma led the 
way to Amersfoort. Away over on the outskirts 
of the town are several streets occupied almost ex- 
clusively by the wives and children of the interned 
soldiers before mentioned at Ziest, a few miles 
distant. A number of these, destitute and lonely, 
were visited and Christmas cheer was carried to 
them. About a thousand were starting on an 
excursion. The local traction company had given 
the use of its cars to convey the women to see 



Refugees in Holland 69 

their loved ones at Ziest. Passing through the 
cars and taking the babies in his arms, Major 
Winchell did what he might to make Christmas 
happy for them. Arrived at Ziest, all alighted 
and had not long to wait when the strains of a 
brass band could be heard in the distance. This 
band of sixty pieces had been organized and 
trained in the camp. Everybody was on the qui 
vive. The little children clapped their tiny hands 
in sheer joy, for music that sounded sweeter prob- 
ably never reached mortal ears. The tots knew 
that their daddies and brothers were approaching. 
Soon several thousand soldiers, all in Belgian uni- 
form, came into view, headed by the distinguished 
Dutch commandant of the camp. Unforgettable 
were the scenes of affection as fathers, mothers, 
brothers, sisters, sweethearts greeted those nearest, 
dearest to their hearts. 

To the American visitor the picture created a 
strange but sacred bewilderment. He lingered 
long as he saw them march away to spend a 
brief hour of happiness in this land of their cap- 
tivity. Their homes were in heaps in their dear 
native country but love undefiled is eternal. War 
cannot crush it, nor the ravages of time overwhelm 
it. As these patriots marched away, as the last 
note of their music died on the air, the visitor 
offered this fervent prayer : 

"Thou who didst suffer on Calvary, remember 
these ! " 



VI 

The Key that Unlocked Belgium's Door 

THE following article from the New York 
Sun of January 4, 1916, describes the 
difficulties encountered in entering Bel- 
gium as well as the singular sequence of events 
which, in the end, made such entrance possible : * 

Man He Helped Now Helps Salvationist 

Major Winchell, Barred from Belgium, 
Finds Old Protege 

Editor May Lift the Ban 

A friendship that started when Major Wallace 
Winchell, superintendent of the Salvation Army 
Industrial Home in Jersey City, extended a help- 
ing hand to Dr. Maximo Asenjo, exiled governor 
of the province of Leon, Nicaragua, in 1911, while 
the latter was down and out in this city, is likely 
to be the agency through which the German gov- 
ernment may permit Major Winchell to enter 
Belgium for the purpose of taking command of 
the Salvation Army relief work in that stricken 
country. 

By a strange prank of fate the Major recently 
met Dr. Asenjo in Hamburg where the exiled 

1 By permission New York Sun, 
70 



The Key That Unlocked Belgium's Door 71 

Nicaraguan is editor of the Heraldo, the Spanish 
edition of the Hamburg JVachrichten, and stands 
high in the favor of the German officials. Dr. 
Asenjo introduced the Major to a number of digni- 
taries and outlined to them the work accomplished 
by the Salvation Army officer among the unfortu- 
nate in this country. He further explained to him 
the plans the Major has in view for relief work in 
Belgium and the Germans were so much impressed 
that the question of permitting him to go into 
Belgium was again taken up. 

As a result of the interest which Dr. Asenjo took 
in the man who helped him when help counted 
most, it is believed that orders will be issued per- 
mitting Major Winchell to proceed on his mission 
in behalf of the suffering Belgians. 

When Major Winchell was selected to direct the 
relief work in Belgium, General Bramwell Booth, 
head of the Salvation Army, said he wanted a man 
for the work who was a native born American and 
an American through and through. Although he 
carried personal letters from President Wilson, the 
Secretary of State and others vouching for him, 
Major Winchell was held up at Botterdam. It was 
understood at the time that whatever feeling the 
German government officials had in the matter 
was due to the fact that Winchell arrived in [Rot- 
terdam not directly from America but from Lon- 
don, where he went to get instructions concerning 
his work from the International Salvation Army 
headquarters. 



72 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

With the aid of Dr. Henry Yan Dyke, the 
American Minister at The Hague, Major Winchell 
got a passport to Germany where he found his old 
friend and admirer, Dr. Asenjo, and through him 
was able to acquaint the German officials with the 
aims and purposes of his mission. 

As Major Winchell was leaving Salvation Army 
headquarters in West Fourteenth Street, this city, 
one day in 1911, he saw a man who was apparently 
in great trouble and spoke to him. He was greatly 
impressed by the man's story — the unhappy person 
was Dr. Asenjo — and took him to the Salvation 
Army Industrial Home in Jersey City, where he 
cared for him until he was able to look out for him- 
self. Dr. Asenjo eventually got in touch with some 
Nicaraguan friends in this city who were able to 
assist him and later he went to Germany. 

In an article written for the Sun, Major Winchell 
says that Dr. Asenjo, through his paper, the Her- 
aldo, is not only carrying German sentiment 
through Spain but to the republics of South and 
Central America, where for many years he was 
associated with the diplomatists of the Latin coun- 
tries. 

"Dr. Asenjo," writes Major Winchell, "comes 
from one of the oldest and most influential families 
in Nicaragua. His father sent him to Germany for 
his education. He was graduated from the Munich 
as well as the Heidelberg University. He also 
took a course in the University of Paris. 

" On his return to his native country he was ap~ 




DR. MAXIMO ASENJO. 



The Key That Unlocked Belgium's Door 73 

pointed by President Zelaya, who recognized his 
intellectual attainments, as the Mcaraguan Minister 
to Chile. 

" Eeturning from Chile, he was elected governor 
of Leon, the largest province in Nicaragua. Some 
differences arose between him and the president. 
With an army of 4,000, Asenjo marched against 
the capital but was defeated and driven back into 
Salvadore where he was arrested and thrown into 
prison. Here he was held for several months. 
One night Asenjo undertook his escape. He made 
a rope out of his bedding and lowered it from the 
window of his prison but, when descending from a 
distance of nearly twenty-five feet from the ground, 
the rope broke and he fell, breaking a leg. 

" He was picked up unconscious and for dead by 
the soldiers. For five days he was kept unattended 
by a physician, in intense suffering, under the con- 
stant watch of armed guards, with scarcely food to 
eat or water to drink. They threatened to shoot 
him but he exclaimed that it would be ' a coward's 
act to shoot a helpless man,' which appealed to 
their honor and his life was spared. 

"Mr. York, American vice-consul, made an ap- 
peal in behalf of Dr. Asenjo and he was taken to 
his residence and kept there for many months under 
medical treatment, so that he partially recovered. 
He has limped ever since from the injury to his 
leg and always walks with a cane. 

" Dr. Asenjo was requested by the authorities to 
leave Salvadore and he dared not return to his own 



y4 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

country because of his enemies. Therefore he was 
compelled to leave his wife and two young sons and 
make his way to America. 

"He arrived in the spring of 1911 in the city of 
Philadelphia. He had less than $150, a stranger 
among strangers. It was hard for him to get his 
bearings. No matter how talented a man may be, 
in a strange land he can do little in the way of 
business until established and known. So Dr. 
Asenjo found his money gradually diminishing. 
He made a few acquaintances and was associated 
with a Dr. Fox, but he did not receive sufficient 
income. Having his doctor's degree from Munich 
as an oculist he tried to establish himself but in 
furnishing his room he had little left to advertise 
himself. 

" So when he found himself down to his last $12, 
Dr. Asenjo made his way to New York City. There 
were a number of his countrymen in business in the 
vicinity of the Produce Exchange. One importer 
of tropical fruits who knew his father in Nicaragua 
helped him some, but not enough to get ahead. 

"One day the doctor, with his room paid for 
only three days, wandered along Fourteenth Street, 
hungry and in despair. He was really at the end 
of his rope. 

" As the doctor describes it in his own way : ' I 
shuffled along, weak from privation ; I could see no 
hope. Everybody seemed to be in a hurry and 
cared nothing for a poor foreigner. As I stood on 
the broad pavement, I saw a man in the military 



The Key That Unlocked Belgium's Door 75 

garb of a Salvationist. I knew nothing of the 
organization, as it is not established in my country. 
But what especially attracted me was the kindly 
face of this soldier or officer and his manner. I 
made known to him my troubles. He listened 
kindly and, extending one hand as he slapped me on 
the back with the other, said: "God bless you, 
friend. Come with me and you will find an open- 
ing." ' " 

The Salvationist took him to the Salvation Army 
home for men in Jersey City, where so many have 
found the beacon of hope. There was no work in 
the home for which the doctor was fitted, so the 
manager advanced him some funds with which to 
open an office for optical work by day and lessons 
in Spanish by night. 

In the meantime, through the suggestion of the 
Major, an effort was made to get the doctor ap- 
pointed by President Wilson to the Bureau of 
Latin Eepublics. News of this reached some of 
his political enemies from Nicaragua who came to 
New York professing to forget the past. They 
invited the doctor to dinner. He noticed in his 
wine a peculiar taste and was convinced it was 
poison, which indeed it proved to be, though not 
a deadly poison. The doctor declares that his 
enemies were determined not to allow him to get 
into a position where the secrets of Central Ameri- 
can politics would be made known in Washington 
and took this method not to kill him but to put 
him out of business. 



76 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

He was suddenly transformed from a cool col- 
lected individual into a seemingly insane person. 
Fear was the predominating passion and his limbs 
jerked. He thought conspirators were after him 
in every shadow and crevice. They tried to keep 
him in the home. Mrs. Winchell did everything 
that she could for him. The Major was called 
away to the Ohio floods on relief work and did not 
remain to see it through. The doctor ran away at 
one o'clock one morning and escaped to New York 
by the Hudson tubes. He was picked up by the 
police and taken to the psychopathic ward of 
Bellevue Hospital. After a few days there he was 
discharged. 

For some reason the Federal authorities got 
out papers for his deportation to Nicaragua. 
Dr. Asenjo heard that they were after him and, 
knowing return to Nicaragua would be fatal, he 
became desperate. Without consulting any one 
and without money he went over to Hoboken and 
walked on board the Hamburg-American liner 
Patricia, went down unnoticed among the freight 
and stowed himself away. He stopped there for 
three days without food or water. His hunger 
was so ravenous and his body so weak he walked 
up on deck and, presenting himself to the ship's 
physician, told his story. The captain was called 
and they decided to lock him up and give him 
sufficient food. 

On arrival at Cuxhaven, Dr. Asenjo was handed 
over to the police. After cross-questioning him 



The Key That Unlocked Belgium's Door 77 

and the ship's physician, they concluded that his 
story was true, that he was the innocent victim of a 
poison plot and that he was honest and a man who 
would make a desirable citizen of Germany. 

The officials of the steamship company told the 
doctor that he could pay for the passage when able, 
which he did from the first money he earned. The 
police of Cuxhaven gave him ten marks and his car 
fare to Hamburg. With half of his money, the 
doctor engaged a cheap room ; with the other five 
marks he ate sparingly for three days. At last he 
read an advertisement of a stranger stopping at 
the Hotel Atlantic, Hamburg, who wanted some 
one to translate some work into Spanish. He 
secured the position and gradually pushed ahead. 

The outbreak of the war found Dr. Asenjo in 
Berlin. He translated the news from German into 
Spanish and printed it on a typewriter copy-press 
at first and sold it to the many Spanish-speaking 
people in Germany's capital. The circulation in- 
creased and he was compelled to print a little sheet 
which he called the Spanish Mews Bulletin. 

Dr. Asenjo wrote some pithy editorials. Copies 
of these reached some wealthy men in Hamburg 
who had large import and export business with the 
countries of South America. Among them was the 
well-known coffee importer, Heinrich Eode. Dr. 
Asenjo was called to Hamburg where he was in- 
troduced to the publishers of the Hamburger 
Nachrichten, one of the most influential papers in 
Germany, formerly the mouthpiece of Prince Bis- 



78 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

inarck. On September 15, 1914, a company was 
capitalized to publish a special Spanish edition of 
the JSTachrichten, called El Heraldo, with Dr. 
Asenjo as editor. A hundred thousand copies are 
printed monthly, one-fifth going to Spain and the 
balance to Central and South America. 



VII 
Winchell in Germany 

ALTHOUGH the door of Belgium had been 
closed, despite the Kelief Commission's 
diligent efforts to secure admission for 
him, the disappointed Winchell was still in the 
ring. He had faith that, by gaining direct com- 
munication with the civil governor of Belgium, he 
would win. Anyway it was not his purpose to re- 
turn to America without making the endeavor. 

To the possibilities of Dr. Asenjo's assistance was 
added the encouragement of a letter from Mrs. 
Winchell, fighting her husband's battles in the 
United States, telling how she had seen Mr. 
Kichard Stevens of Castle Point and of Stevens 
Institute, New Jersey's great philanthropist and 
social service leader, who had been a classmate of 
Ambassador Gerard in Berlin. Mr. Stevens had 
written to Mr. Gerard shortly after the Major set 
sail, recommending that the Embassy do all in its 
power to further the success of the mission to 
Belgium. Upon receiving this intelligence from 
his wife, Major Winchell wrote to the American 
Embassy in Berlin but never knew the outcome 
of the matter. 

The following letter was then addressed to the 
79 



80 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

civil governor of Belgium, being taken to Amster- 
dam whence a German translation was forwarded 
to the governor : 



JRotterdam, November 29 y 1915. 

Geneeal von Bissing, 

Civil Governor in Brussels, 
Brussels, Belgium. 

Your Excellency : I was informed yesterday from 
high authority that you were unwilling to honor 
my passport into Belgium on the ground that I 
was a person under suspicion. 

I am enclosing one or two letters of introduction 
— one from the Chamber of Commerce, Jersey City, 
one from Governor Fielder of New Jersey and one 
from the police department of Jersey City. I have 
many others from distinguished men which also I 
should be pleased to show you. These men vouch 
for my integrity and my good work for the people. 
I hope these will establish in your mind that I am 
an honorable man and would not stoop to betray 
the confidence you would repose in me by granting 
me permission to work in Belgium. 

If any of your representatives have reported any 
word or act of mine in America or Europe that 
could give the least offense to the German cause, I 
should like to face the men and hear what they 
have to say. 

Certainly you will not condemn me without a 
hearing. I do not desire vindication for my own 
sake merely but for those who have vouched for 
me. When I return to America it will be a great 
pleasure for me to be able to say that I was not 
only treated fairly and justly by the German 



Winchell in Germany 81 

authorities but was shown much generosity and 
kindness. 

My coming to Belgium was not of my own 
choice. I preferred to remain where I was, having 
great success in Jersey City, Hoboken and Northern 
Hew Jersey. 

I was asked to come to Belgium to administer 
intelligently funds which had been contributed to 
the Salvation Army for that purpose. My many 
years in organizing relief at times of great calami- 
ties such as floods, earthquakes and fires, made our 
leaders feel that I could be of good service in Bel- 
gium. They cabled twice for me. At first I de- 
clined but, on the second urgent order, I accepted 
although feeling that I would be hindered by not 
knowing the language. 

General Bramwell Booth, head of the Salvation 
Army and a man who stands preeminently above 
nationalism and who fights for the salvation of all 
men of all nations, is the one who appointed me to 
come. I was delayed three weeks in London on 
account of a severe accident to the General. I 
could not see him. But, at the same time, no 
person could draw me into a discussion of war 
issues. 

General Booth had received a large fund for 
Belgian relief. He wanted me to distribute this 
in cooperation with the Commission for Belief in 
Belgium. Some time last summer Colonel Theodore 
Kitching, the General's secretary for Europe, con- 
sulted with Mr. Hoover who thought that there 
would be no objection on your part, so arrange- 
ments were made for me to cross the Atlantic to 
undertake the task. 

I was chosen because I was an American and a 
neutral. And it is true I am an American with 
ancestry back on both sides for two hundred years. 



82 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

My wife is the same and my family. No one can 
rightfully say that I or any member of my family 
ever said anything against the German cause. 

My ambition ran high to be of great use in Bel- 
gium. I had hoped to be of service to the author- 
ities of the land, as also to the C. K. B., in helping 
to organize a better condition among the people. 
I heard of the vast numbers that do not work and 
I hoped to be useful in organizing industries. And 
the poor children and mothers, especially those the 
most helpless, I could help. 

The work among children is my specialty. I 
can bring with me and show you photographs of 
the work I have been doing in the States. His 
Excellency President Wilson is among my financial 
supporters and my work is well known everywhere. 

I would like to refer you to Dr. Maximo Asenjo 
who edits the Spanish edition of the Hamburg 
Heraldo and the Nachrichten. He is willing to 
come to Brussels and tell you all about me and 
my work. Will you kindly grant the privilege of 
an interview with Dr. Asenjo and myself ? 

I am fitted for good service in Belgium but, of 
course, if you do not want me tell me the reason 
and I will return. But it is only fair that I should 
know why I am not accepted. I desire above all 
things to obtain your confidence and approval for, 
without these, I see no possibility of undertaking 
and carrying out this relief work that is so near 
my heart. 

Sincerely yours, 
(Signed) Wallace Winchell, Major. 

An American Embassy attache had gone with 
the Major to the German legation at The Hague 
where a special permission was written on the back 



Winchell in Germany 83 

of the traveller's passport granting entrance into 
Germany, as the passport did not read for that 
country. 

Having despatched the foregoing letter in the 
open mail, Major Winchell returned, a happy man, 
to his hotel in Kotterdam. Packing his grip, he was 
in readiness to start next morning for Hamburg. 

But alas ! alack ! A message was received from 
The Hague, about two hours after permission had 
been granted, saying that it had been called off. 
Thus ran the message : 

" Even though you have the pass, if you at- 
tempt to go into Germany, you will be ar- 
rested. Something has developed since you 
left The Hague to-day that forbids your en- 
trance into that country. You are advised not 
to go." 

German diplomacy had made a flank movement 
and charged on the Major's hopes. But he did not 
retire from the field or beat a retreat. 

Like the forces in various parts of the European 
battle-fields, he awaited the next move. That is, 
he deferred further action pending the outcome of 
his letter to the civil governor. A week later, 
The Hague was heard from again, this time an- 
nouncing that permission was granted for Major 
Winchell to go to Germany and that he would not 
be molested at the border. But he must not enter 
Belgium at that time. Such permission depended 
entirely upon future developments. 



84 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

Happiness again was restored to the Major. 
Looking up the train which would leave Eotter- 
dam next morning for Hamburg, he sent a wire to 
Dr. Asenjo announcing his arrival in that city at 
six o'clock next evening. 

Thus, on Saturday morning, December 11, 1915, 
the Major boarded a train at the Maas station in 
Eotterdam and set out for his promised land. 
Bentheim, Germany, just across the border, was 
reached at one o'clock. 

The stranger had heard much of the wonderful 
organization of the German army but now, for the 
first time, came into direct contact with it. The 
station at Bentheim was well equipped for the search 
of those passing from one country into the other. 
Probably one hundred passengers on the same train 
were subjected to most thorough search, German 
officers knowing how to do it. "War is war and 
this was their right. They had set up little wooden 
closets, each just large enough to accommodate one 
person, and in these the passengers were required 
to disrobe more or less. The officers were as care- 
ful in searching people of their own nationality as 
those of other lands. 

The Major watched the quick, athletic, deliberate 
and systematic work of these soldiers detailed to 
search the travellers. Everything looked most 
militaristic. "War was in the very air. The Ger- 
mans were polite but not at all sentimental. 

When the American presented his passport it was 
with a feeling more or less of wonder as to what 



Winchell in Germany 85 

the outcome would be. Would they find some- 
thing to force him back to Holland or to send him 
forward ? Perhaps he might be relegated to a 
camp of interned civilians wherein thousands of 
non-combatants have been kept since the war started 
— not a cheering possibility. Truly it was an hour 
of anxious waiting. The passport was examined 
and then taken away for further examination, being 
given a numbered claim check. After rigid search 
in one of the dressing closets, nothing was found 
upon the Major more serious than a photograph of 
his two-year-old son, "Wallace, Jr., which was not 
taken from him. 

After the subordinates, one after another, had 
finished their part of the search, a lieutenant who 
spoke excellent English called the Major aside and 
the following conversation ensued : 

" Well, Winchell, you have arrived at last." 

" I have." 

" And you are on your way whither ? " 

" Hamburg." 

" Did you come directly from New York to Hol- 
land ? " 

" No ; I came by way of Liverpool." 

" How long did you remain in England ? n 

" About three weeks." 

" Why so long ? " 

The Major explained about the accident to Gen- 
eral Booth which had delayed him in London and 
the German continued : 

" When passing through the waters about the 



86 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

British isles, did you see anything that looked war- 
like?" 

"Not very much," was the American's reply. 
"Possibly a patrol ship or two. As we entered 
the Irish Sea, the fog was very dense. We might 
have passed many war-ships but we did not see 
them." 

" Can you tell me of any war news of interest 
from England ? " 

"I cannot. I kept away from all Allied sol- 
diery. To tell you the truth, this bloody struggle 
between the nations does not interest me. I en- 
deavor to follow the Prince of Peace, and my work 
in Europe is a mission of mercy." 

This ended the colloquy. The Major remained 
two hours at Bentheim, having missed the first 
train. So he sent another telegram to Dr. Asenjo 
in Hamburg, asking him to meet the train upon its 
arrival at ten o'clock that night. 

At Osnebriick two more hours were lost in chang- 
ing cars. During this interval, a little walk through 
the town revealed business going on quite as usual 
in any American city. Many men were in the 
streets or working. Even the waiters in the rail- 
way restaurants were young men of military age 
and one wondered that they should not have been 
pressed into service. Possibly their time to be 
drafted had not yet come. The Major had been 
somewhat under restraint of mind on the trip, not 
being able to converse with any one in his ignorance 
of German, and understanding that English was 



Winchell in Germany 87 

prohibited in Germany. It was not easy for one 
in his position to remain silent. 

Eesuming the railway journey, the American 
found that the compartment was shared by a rather 
formidable German officer with a little sabre at his 
side. Just before the Major's eyes, a notice had 
been posted on the wall of the compartment by 
German military authorities. Both men sat for two 
hours, staring at the notice yet exchanging not a 
word. The Major could make out only the first 
and second lines of the proclamation which, he 
thought, had to do with spies. 

Soldaten seid vorsichtig im Sprechen 

Spione & Spioniistnen ! 

ihr wisset niemals wer nehen euch sitzt 

wahvend auf reisen. 

" Suppose that this impulsive Teuton hears just 
one word of English from me," mused the Major 
uneasily. "We are alone. One little thrust of 
that sabre into my vitals, the door opens, out into 
the darkness I go and it's < good-night ' to Major 
Winchell. All for the sake of the Fatherland." 

Meditating thus upon the possibility of what 
might happen, there came to the American's mind 
a story told him in London by a Scotchman who 
had lived for thirty-two years in the British capital. 
A Britisher, of course, and a loyal one, his counte- 
nance was none the less of Teutonic cast and his 
accent not of the London brand. Some one in the 



88 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

street got the notion that he must be a German and 
said as much. The rumor spread from mouth to 
mouth. Inside an hour, a mob of a hundred and 
fifty hooligans raided his house, smashed his furni- 
ture and nearly killed the man and his wife. 

All this passed like a panorama in the Major's 
mind. What might not happen in Germany to him 
who could speak only English and could not ex- 
plain? The train halted, the guard called the 
name of a station that sounded familiar to the 
American and, involuntarily, he exclaimed to his 
austere neighbor, 

"Is this Hamburg?" 

" Harlburg," answered the officer in manner not 
unkindly but to the stranger's intense relief. Then 
both relapsed into silent contemplation of the 
writing on the wall. 

Finally alighting at the great Hamburg sta- 
tion, the Major looked anxiously for his friend, 
Dr. Asenjo, but his familiar figure and smile were 
not to be seen. Winchell waited for a time hoping 
that the doctor might come or send some one, but 
was doomed to disappointment. It was late on a 
Saturday night. The American was at a loss what 
to do. Again, he feared to address any one in 
English. Slipping a mark into the palm of a por- 
ter, that functionary promptly comprehended that 
the donor wanted to find some one who knew Eng- 
lish and he led the way to a waiter in the railway 
restaurant. This worthy spoke broken English but 
did not know Dr. Asenjo's address. He called on 



Winchell in Germany 89 

the 'phone the office of the Hamburger Nachricliten 
but, at that late hour, nobody responded. 

"What was Winchell to do ? Where could he go ? 
What must become of him unable as he was to ex- 
press himself in the language of the land ? But he 
had to go somewhere so he proceeded to the Hotel 
Reichshof where the night clerk, speaking no Eng- 
lish at all, handed a paper to the traveller. By 
guesswork, the latter made out that he was to re- 
port at the police station but the clerk gave him a 
room, first impressing upon him that he must see 
the police in the morning. 

Along about three o'clock, the pilgrim was 
awakened from a troubled sleep by the booming 
of big guns. That there should be firing at such 
an hour he could not understand unless the British 
were attacking the Kiel Canal and, incidentally, 
the city of Hamburg itself. It caused a strange 
sensation, for one could scarcely imagine target 
practice early on Sunday morning. Inquiries, made 
later, brought no explanations, satisfactory or other- 
wise. Such is war ! A similar sensation was felt 
by the Major on the recent Sunday morning when 
shells exploded at the awful wreck of Black Tom 
storage wharf in Jersey City. 

At breakfast, the Major talked with the head 
waiter, who spoke fair English, and succeeded, 
through his intervention, in connecting with the 
office of the Hamburger JVachrichten, learning the 
whereabouts of Dr. Asenjo's apartment and reach- 
ing it by taxi. The doctor was found in a fine house 



90 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

close to the great Hotel Atlantic, overlooking a 
beautiful lake which is the pride of Hamburg. He 
had not yet arisen but, hearing the Major's voice, 
dressed hurriedly and, summoning the visitor to his 
room, welcomed him with embraces. The doctor 
had not forgotten how, three years before in New 
York, the Major had helped him in his helplessness. 
'Now, in the Major's trouble, the doctor proved his 
friend. " Bread cast upon the waters returns after 
many days." 

The doctor arranged for the Major to take a 
room in the house with himself during the sojourn 
in Hamburg and he showed his American friend 
the sights of that most wonderful and beautiful 
city, the pride of Northern Germany. One trip 
was to the famous docks along the Eiver Elbe where 
so many of the great vessels of former German 
trade were waiting for the end of the war. It was 
Christmastide. "While there seemed to be an 
atmosphere of sadness, Christmas trees were ex- 
hibited everywhere and there seemed to be con- 
siderable holiday shopping. The doctor led his 
visitor to the finest restaurants which, in spite of 
the " bread and meat control," offered a variety to 
satisfy any appetite. The American learned of the 
amazing economy which conserves the resources of 
the nation in peace, and, especially, in war. 

Dr. Asenjo is to-day the greatest international 
figure in German propaganda in Spain and Central 
and South America. His powerful and logical 
editorials have been reprinted and circulated 



Winchell in Germany 91 

throughout Germany in book form with an intro- 
duction by Mr. Ballin, president of the Hamburg- 
Amerika line. While in London, Winchell saw 
editorials concerning the doctor's work in Spain. 

Sunday night they visited together two corps of 
the Heils Armee (German Salvation Army). 

During his visit to the Hamburg posts, Major 
Winchell listened to an address by Lieutenant- 
Colonel Treite, leader of the Salvation Army in 
Germany, who has made the following report to 
the headquarters in London : 

" In spite of the terrible war in which my 
country at the present time is involved, the Army 
is able to continue its work. Our spiritual work is 
progressing as usual and is winning everybody's 
respect. 

" A few of our halls have been turned over lately 
to the government for hospital purposes. In 
Dusseldorf, for instance, our hall has been en- 
larged and converted into a hospital with one 
hundred and fifty beds. 

" Our rescue work among women has also taken 
on greater proportions. A new rescue home has 
been opened recently in Dresden, where we are 
able to care for sixty women. A children's home 
for war orphans has been established where sixty 
little ones are being housed and fed. 

"Several of the large cities have granted the 
Army considerable aid for the purpose of feeding the 
hungry, and our relief work in Hamburg, Breslau 
and Stettin is attaining considerable proportions. 



92 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

"The vast majority of our men officers have 
been called to the front where they are doing their 
best to bless their military comrades. They have 
received permission to conduct meetings in the 
trenches, a privilege which they are not slow to 
grasp. 

" My three sons are in the war. I carry their 
pictures always with me. My youngest boy has 
been wounded twice; the second son has been 
wounded once but the eldest has gone free from 
harm thus far. Thirteen of our officers have died 
already on the battle-field. 

"The Army work has been carried on largely 
by women officers but they have proven them- 
selves efficient in every respect and I am justly 
proud of them. On the Eastern front we have 
established three Homes for soldiers where we do 
the utmost for their souls as well as for their 
bodies. Some of the large institutions for men 
are now in charge of women officers. 

"Of course, through the war, the German 
Salvationists have been isolated practically from 
their comrades in other lands. Nevertheless we 
still feel that the Salvation Army makes us one 
everywhere. "We all have one God— the Father 
of us all — and one faith which binds us together 
with an unbreakable chain. 

"The Salvation Army in Germany has fought 
its way to victory during the past two years of 
this fearful war and we trust God implicitly for the 
future." 



Winchell in Germany 93 

On the Monday night a reception was tendered 
to Major Winchell at the home of Mr. Heinrich 
Rode, 6 Montstrasse, Hamburg. Mr, Rode is a 
financial power in Germany with large trading in- 
terests in South America. About a dozen other in- 
fluential men and their wives were present, friends 
and backers of Dr. Maximo Asenjo in his news- 
paper work. All received the Yankee Major most 
generously, the German sentiment, as expressed 
here, being one of high regard for America and 
for our President. But it was discoverable also 
that there prevails in Germany, as in England and 
Holland, a feeling of bitter disappointment— pos- 
sibly resentment— over the eagerness of American 
capitalists to profit by the European cataclysm. 
As Mr. Rode shook hands upon the departure of 
Major Winchell, he said, in a voice of agonized 
grief and in a tone of deep intensity : 

" I want to raise the danger signal to the United 
States of America. Europe is paying a terrible 
price for its self-centered interests. We are paying 
the best of what we have in life and property. 
My own sons have been slain in battle. Our hearts 
are broken and this grief prevails throughout all 
Europe. America, to which we looked for such 
Christian example, has been too eager to build her 
fortunes upon our misfortunes and let me tell you 
this : America will get her own as surely as the law 
of compensation is inevitable. The time is coming 
when retribution will be meted out for your blood- 
guiltiness." 



94 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

This statement was too much of a proposition for 
the American to answer without reflection. He 
has thought a great deal since that night. Is 
America so self-centered in her pride and greed 
that she does not consider the happiness of other 
peoples? Is there not among our great men a 
leadership sufficient to deliver hapless Europe and 
to save the world from future wars ? Can we be 
the Christian nation that all Christendom would 
like us to be ? As the One who came from heaven 
gave His life for all the world, will America make 
a sacrifice for all mankind ? If we do not make a 
voluntary sacrifice to save all nations, must we not 
meet the retribution that this German predicted ? 

America cannot, as a nation, afford to go back- 
ward. 



yiii 

Belgium's Door Opens 

BEFOKE he went to Germany, the many 
friends that the Major had made in 
Holland during his six weeks there had 
prophesied that all kinds of trouble would over- 
take him when he ventured into the Kaiser's 
domain. Some foretold that he would be taken, 
under any pretext, as a spy ; others that he would 
be mobbed by rampant civilians or bayoneted with- 
out provocation by malicious soldiers. 

"When, therefore, the adventurer returned to 
Holland, after his brief stay, they were more than 
surprised to see him walk back into their midst 
unharmed. 

The day after Christmas, the traveller was asked 
to submit to the German legation the rest of his 
letters of recommendation from representative men 
in America and he gladly complied, once more 
having nothing to do save to await developments. 

Did the Major never feel homesick in those 
days ? Well, yes — he is human like others. Many 
times, during this period of uncertainty, his mind 
would revert to his dear wife and children in New 
Jersey, especially to little Wallace, Jr., who would 
be two years old in March. He thought of his 

95 



96 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

silver-haired, sweet-faced old mother 'way far in 
Michigan, of his work at home, of the great host 
of converts, particularly of those redeemed from 
the wreckage of drink and drags. He thought of 
the many thousands of poor, across the ocean, who 
in other winters had looked to him for relief, food, 
clothing and good cheer. 

Here were the holidays — he a stranger in a 
strange land. The future was uncertain, a mystery 
impenetrable, vague. Of this term of practical 
captivity Major Winchell says : 

"That terrible sensation of homesickness came 
upon me very forcefully on the last day of the 
year. Kotterdam's Hotel Coomans was crowded 
with people preparing that night to cross the seas. 
Baggage was piled high. Everywhere was bustle 
and excitement making ready for the departure of 
the great S. S. Rotterdam. All the talk was of 
America. The prospect of attaining my destina- 
tion was not encouraging even then. When I saw 
those passengers making their way to the great 
ship, how my heart yearned to be with them! 
Yoices seemed to be calling me and I could have 
gone easily enough, but duty restrained impulse." 

Two days later, Mr. Fischer of the German con- 
sulate informed the Major that his pass had been 
granted. He might enter Belgium at last and his 
testimonials would be restored to him upon his 
arrival in Brussels. The pass read "that Major 
Wallace Winchell, an American citizen, should 
travel on January 3, 1916, from Kosendaal to Brus- 



Belgium's Door Opens 97 

sels in the motor car of the courier of the C. E. B. 
and that he should report immediately upon arrival 
at the Politische Abteilung." 

Mr. Fischer warned the Major to take on his per- 
son no addresses of any kind nor anything what- 
soever written in English. "May I take my 
Bible?" asked the Major. "No," he replied, 
"not if it is printed in English." So the beloved 
Book had to be left in Botterdam until his return. 

Beaching the border, the authorities there in- 
formed the representative of the Commission that 
the car had been prohibited from crossing the line. 
So here was the doughty American, as it seemed 
then, up against it again ! He sat resignedly in the 
car waiting for the next turn of chance. Just 
ahead were the Dutch sentinels standing in the 
upright coffin-shaped boxes that protect them from 
storm. Five feet beyond was the German outpost 
with its gray-uniformed sentries. Between them 
stretched the invisible, imaginary line called 
" border." 

Bequested to alight, the Major was searched first 
by the Dutch, then handed over to the Germans. 
The captain in command studied the Major's pass 
carefully. When convinced that it was all right, 
he led the traveller to a wooden shanty set up for 
purposes of search where he was exhaustively in- 
spected once more. The Germans, here as in 
Bentheim, the Major found, were very methodical 
and thorough in their work but kindly in treat- 
ment. One who spoke English declared that the 



98 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

pass must be examined by the railway superintend- 
ent and that then, if it were approved also by the 
military governor of the town of Esschen, the 
American probably would reach Brussels by train 
next morning. 

Two soldiers, with guns and bayonets, were 
delegated to march the Major through the streets 
of the long, narrow Esschen for a distance of con- 
siderably more than a mile. The superintendent of 
the station being found, another awkward situation 
appeared as the captive could speak only English, 
but one of the escorting soldiers explained the case. 
Then the military governor, living about a block 
away, was seen and permission granted to proceed 
to Brussels by rail. The railway superintendent, 
with great care and deliberation, wrote out the 
subjoined pass which is in Major WinchelPs pos- 
session at the present time : 

Esschen, January ^, 1916. 
Bearer of this, the American citizen, Wallace 
Winchell, has the permit to use the railroad to 
Brussels via Antwerp. 

Upon arrival at Brussels, he has to report at the 
Political Department. 

Commander of Railroad 5, 

Yon Gokdon, 
Captain and Commander. 

Esschen is within the proscribed battle zone under 
martial law. Great preparations were making to 
receive the Duke of Coburg who was to assume 



Belgium's Door Opens 99 

charge of his regiment next day. It was an inter- 
esting evening that the Major spent in the office 
and barroom of the hotel where many German 
officers were passing in and out. 

He was introduced to the superintendent of 
schools by the landlord, who commanded a little 
English, and to the landlord's daughter who proved 
an intelligent conversationalist, speaking English 
fluently and discussing many subjects especially 
bearing upon American benevolence to the Bel- 
gians. She was embroidering a flour sack, working 
in bright colors the imprint of the American miller 
who had donated the flour. The Belgians are ex- 
pert, not only in lace-making, but in this sort of 
needlework. 

Women, in every part of Belgium, are devoting 
spare time to such embroidery on flour sacks in 
token of their country's gratitude to God and to the 
Americans. They feel that, but for this generosity, 
thousands must have perished by starvation. Major 
Winchell brought back several of these sacks. One 
the grateful Belgians requested that he present to 
the President of our republic whom they love be- 
cause he has shown his love in authorizing the 
mighty American relief. 

From the landlord's daughter, the traveller 
learned much of the condition of Belgium and the 
needs of its inhabitants. He realized that, if he had 
ten millions of dollars, it could be wisely expended 
to help the unfortunates of this country. Curious 
as to what the dinner bill of fare might offer, he 



ioo A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

was agreeably surprised when he was brought a 
veal cutlet. His room for the night was surrounded 
by German officers. 

Awakening in the mid-hours of the night, he tried 
to learn the time by the flickering lights of the rail- 
way station opposite, as he had been given no candle. 
Unable thus to gain enlightenment and fearing to 
lose the train, he broke the crystal of his watch and, 
feeling over the hands, found that they indicated 
two o'clock. Sleeping no more, he arose at five, 
dressed in darkness and was on hand to meet the 
officer who accompanied him to the station. Break- 
fasting in Antwerp, after one more search, he ar- 
rived in Brussels at eleven. On the journey, many 
evidences were seen of towns wrecked in the ter- 
rific fighting between Brussels and Antwerp in 
the autumn of 1914. Steeples were knocked from 
churches, bridges broken and houses destroyed. 

In Brussels, the newcomer hired a porter to take 
him to 66 Kue de Colonies where a large building 
is occupied by the Belgian headquarters of the 
C. E. B. Here he was welcomed by Mr. W. B. 
Poland and his assistant, Mr. W. H. Sperry, in 
charge of the Commission. Dr. Kellogg, to whom 
the letter of introduction was addressed, had re- 
turned to America. There was present also Mr. 
Edward O. Curtis whom the Major had met at 
Mr. Hoover's office in London. After discussing 
plans and getting a closer knowledge of the vast 
relief operations in Belgium, Mr. Curtis was ap- 
pointed to look after the American Salvationist. 



^ B 



?erson al-Ausweis N? </li&. 

Eenzefvigheidsbewijs fp —Jfortlftcat d'identite N c 

1. Name .. • ^^i^^^d^^^^fe^.!. 

fa!!* verb. -Proa ad< WHwe : MSdcMm/me (ffthorenei : ../?.. * .... 

2. Eigenhghdige UnterscK3^S&2:2^X^Jt-3'^ 

3. Staatsangehorigkeit £2^A&&*?&<%6te*~.< ...**>. 

ft.ai4jh A ,/g66_ Gebursort 0^/ ? ./,v/:t/ 



Geb/xtrtef/aats 



4. Geboren am 

5, Beruf frfftsm*,, 
7. Adresse am Aufenlhaftsort SAWT-6fLL£S, Strasse./^ 

W<*.nilaatx — Residence jSBSramf — Rue 



A %.0^*±...:.^JaJh&* Gro«*e 1 Meter Centimeter 



8. Wsrm 1st der Antransfelfei* zufefzt in die fiufenthaltjgemeinrfe eingezogen? A >,/-/rf/£ 
• 9. Von welchem Orte i«t AntragsteHer zugezogen? '/e/^J-tjC- &./</ 

10. Wo^nsittgemeinde . . / '// £ //£ -/ Adressse ^:z~::rr;-:'.„ 

'> •■■•..■, //!• *w/t< rtt-wr ■ !'.»:ri] t SbS ' . .«»-,»/ - Rn» 

11. Zustlndige Passzentrale BRUXELLES 



12. 8uf firuwl wetcher legitimation 
«$t riarPersonalausweis ausaestellt?. .T,^P<?.; 

. . Sur <,.;..;':«, t ,:,w< j-LbScitiVM !e C*Tti«C»t «t -il it efivre f 

13. BeschDtniqung zweier Zeugeu l i. 

' t:*ttti£tn 



.A** 



iKStellmprt SAIHT-BIUK. Datrni 



JUaterschriffc des Beam ten : 

Hpf$J$£.k'**-t$r *§*% -«&* heambte. — SipHtture da Tempi' 





Am .BipcrFtiu.* fttt 4o«, - 



THE PASSPORT THAT GAVE THE MAJOR RIGHT TO TRAVEL 
IN ALL PARTS OF BELGIUM UNDER CIVIL GOVERNOR. 



Belgium's Door Opens 101 

In one of the Commission's automobiles he visited 
36 Avenue des Villas, Saint Gilles, meeting Staff- 
Captain and Mrs. Blanchard, in charge of the Sal- 
vation Army in Belgium. The Staff-Captain had 
been informed many weeks before, through Switzer- 
land, of the Major's coming and, pardonably pre- 
suming that the venture had been abandoned, was 
appropriately surprised to see him. Stopping at 
the home of the Blanchards, the Major was made 
most comfortable. The presence of their children, 
Kene and Mart, contributed to make pleasurable 
his visit to Belgium. The Staff-Captain has an 
ideal Christian home. 

At last Major Winchell's relief work was to com- 
mence. 



IX 

Interviews with German Officials 

ACCOMPANIED by Staff-Captain Blanch- 
ard, Major Winchell reported on January 
6th to the Politische Abteilung, a hotel 
near the King's Palace, now occupied as headquar- 
ters by the German civil governor. This tardy com- 
pliance with instructions, issued upon admittance to 
Brussels, caused fear lest it might invoke serious 
outcome. After they had waited nearly an hour 
in a lobby, a German boy scout ushered in the 
visitors saying, "You appealed to General von 
Bissing for entrance to Belgium. You may meet 
his staff." 

Two officers appeared. The chief attache, Lieu- 
tenant von Moltke, nephew of Field Marshal von 
Moltke of the war of 1870, is tall and graceful with 
a dignity somewhat stiff but not overbearing ; very 
frank and open in his manner of speech ; very adept 
in his English. He received the American Salva- 
tionist in a most friendly way. Had Winchell been 
a great diplomatist, it is doubtful that his welcome 
would have been more cordial. 

" At last I have arrived," said the Major. " I 
apologize for non-appearance ere now. By mistake 

102 



Interviews With German Officials 103 

I reported to the Pass Zentrale Abteilung Nord- 
Frankreich-Grengzone instead of here." 

"It is the rule for prominent men of neutral 
countries, upon entering Belgium for any purpose, 
to report here," returned the lieutenant. " We have 
no objection to the doing of whatever good you can 
accomplish." 

" I've wondered," replied the American, " why 
you have kept me out of Belgium so long — what 
you held against me. I knew that my purpose was 
good and my mission one of mercy." 

" Well, you know, war is war and we must be 
careful as to who shall enter Belgium," was the 
answer. " Belgium is a country that demands ut- 
most caution." The lieutenant assured his caller 
that he was free to travel on the regular pass to all 
parts under the civil governor, that he would en- 
counter no trouble in so doing. 

" I did not seek this work in Belgium," explained 
the Major, " but, inasmuch as I am here, I want to 
do it and to do it faithfully. Then I shall return 
to America." 

" Yery well," assented the lieutenant. 

" Moreover," pursued the Salvationist, " I feel it 
my duty to wear the full uniform of a Salvation 
Army officer, with the English words, ' the Salva- 
tion Army,' on the hat band." 

" Of course," said von Moltke. " Why shouldn't 
you?" 

" Well," was the reply, " I have heard much con- 
cerning the disapprobation of your government 



104 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

towards anything and everything English. But I 
cannot speak Flemish so I do not wish to wear 
' Leger des Heiles ' neither can I speak French so 
I cannot conscientiously show * Armee de Salut ' 
on my red band." 

" Go ahead and wear the English words," granted 
the lieutenant. " You will have nothing to fear for 
that reason from any German officer or soldier in 
any part of Belgium." 

"My mission is one of peace, lieutenant," re- 
turned the visitor. " I am interested only in heal- 
ing the wounds, in feeding the hungry and in doing 
all the good I may. The American Commission has 
performed a great labor in feeding Belgium which 
should be augmented by a work of uplift. I wish 
to help in this kind of thing. It is practically my 
specialty. The people are down-hearted. They 
are starving for something more than the bread 
and soup provided by the Commission. They 
hunger for love and friendship. I would cooperate 
with the authorities, the American legation, the 
Germans and Belgians in organizing to establish a 
new era of actual happiness. It is needed after so 
much mental suffering. It is needed in all Europe. 
I hope to start something." 

" How long do you expect to remain in Bel- 
gium ? " inquired the lieutenant. 

" Just as long as I can be useful," answered the 
American. "I have this fund, remitted by the 
Salvation Army in London through the Belief 
Commission. I purpose first to make a trip through 



Interviews With German Officials 105 

all parts wherein our work is established, to survey 
each locality and to learn its needs. Then I shall 
organize the purchase of supplies, following with 
another trip to see to proper distribution and to 
further organization for the perpetuation of the 
work." 

" To what did you refer as uplift work ? " asked 
the officer. The Major described the character of 
his work in New Jersey, the distribution of flowers 
to the poor of various nationalities, and the free 
rides for the slum kiddies in his big automobile, 
awakening every one to a spirit of faith, love and 
hope. The poor people would rise up and call 
blessed whomsoever had any part in such benevo- 
lence. Such a project, the lieutenant stated, must 
be considered later. 

" Americans, I presume," said he, " have an idea 
that all Germans are a bad, cruel lot, undesirable 
in every sense." 

" By my knowledge of Germans in America," re- 
plied the Major, " I should say that the reverse is 
true. They are among the most conservative of 
law-abiding citizens. In our county in New 
Jersey, Hudson, at least forty per cent, are 
German or of German descent, and they make 
for good citizenship." 

After his first trip in Belgian territory, Major 
Winchell was summoned again, this time to report 
to Kittsmeister Merton of the Deutsche Vermitt- 
lungstelle, the secret service and censorship offices 
of the civil and military authorities. The Eitts- 



106 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

meister had fought for nine months in the trenches. 
He is a man of thirty-five years with sharp, pene- 
trating eyes — quick in movement, decisive in action 
and possessed of knowledge far-reaching on most 
questions, especially well informed in the matter of 
American politics. Here again the Major met 
kindly treatment, being plied with rapid fire ques- 
tions calculated to reveal the character and motives 
of the American. Merton resembled an Anglo- 
Saxon in manner and speech. 

" You have, I understand," he said, " a fund of a 
few thousand francs to spend upon the Belgians in 
towns wherein the Armee de Salut operates ? " 

" I have." 

" Will you kindly tell me where you raised the 
money ? " 

"General Booth of London gave it to me to 
bring here for relief." 

" Where did he get it ? " 

" Some was given in England, some from New 
Zealand, America, Switzerland, wherever the Army 
operates." 

" We do not object to the Salvation Army doing 
all the good in its power but we want a copy of 
the report that you give to the C. K. B. to be left 
here at this office. That is all we require. We 
know that the Salvation Army does good work in 
Germany and we wish you well." 

The Major told the official that the Salvation 
Army would prove one of the great international 
healing agents after the war. The conflicts might 



Interviews With German Officials 107 

end but the wounds would still be open. Every 
agency for the healing of the nations would be 
necessary. Hatred must be overcome by love. 

" Which side do you think will win ? " 

" I cannot answer for I am neutral, but I believe 
that there will be, eventually, a league of nations 
that will guarantee the rights of all." 

" What nation will rule in that government ? " 
was the quick rejoinder. 

" The people will rule," was answered. " This 
is not a Salvation Army theory — it is my own. I 
believe that all the nations of the world will join 
this league, for only by such means can the safety 
of all and the peace of the world be assured. The 
very order of things will demand it. God will be 
recognized, His laws respected and the people will 
rule by His guidance." 

" That sounds very well but you say that you 
are neutral. We do not object to this. You can 
express your opinion here as well as in America. I 
would like to ask your opinion on a certain 
matter." 

"And that is?" 

" You Americans are neutral all right but your 
nation is a conundrum. You appear to us a con- 
tradiction. No nation ever showed such great- 
hearted philanthropy in times of disaster, fires and 
earthquakes. This feeding of Belgium is a most 
wonderful affair — to have kept it going so long. 
It shows that your nation has an immense sym- 
pathetic heart. Yet that same nation prolongs this 



108 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

agony of war by the manufacture of munitions. 
How do you reconcile the two ? " 

" Personally I am against it and there is wide- 
spread sentiment throughout the entire country 
against war in any form. But, so long as there is 
no law against it, capitalists will continue to place 
their money where it brings the greatest return. I 
doubt not that some of it is invested by German 
people in America. Nevertheless there may be 
legislation on the subject before Congress adjourns. 
Of course, I cannot foretell." 

" It is doubtful if Congress will take any action 
against the manufacture of munitions during a 
Presidential campaign," was the Rittsmeister's ob- 
servation. 

" I proposed to Lieutenant von Moltke, a few 
weeks ago," said Winchell, " that I begin a work 
of uplift." 

" The matter was detailed to me," broke in the 
German. " You mean to start a big sightseeing 
automobile to take the poor children on joy rides 
from Brussels, Antwerp and other points to various 
other places in the country ? " 

" Yes — that's the idea," assented Winchell. 

" But where would you get your automobile ? 
Do you expect the German government to pro- 
vide it?" 

" I don't mind where it comes from." 

" We would not give you one." 

" Well, then give me permission to get one from 
America. All I would have to do would be to 



Interviews With German Officials 109 

send a cable to a friend who manufactures auto- 
mobiles over there and, I think, it would be forth- 
coming." 

" Are you not aware that there is a blockade 
and that the English will allow no rubber, even in 
automobile tires, to come through?" the Kitt- 
meister suggested. 

" All I ask is that you give me permission to run 
one and I'll make one grand effort to bring a car 
into Belgium. I am sure that the English would 
not object to anything that would conduce to the 
happiness of the Belgian children." 

" It is questionable whether such a venture would 
be acceptable to the Belgians themselves. They 
would probably resent anything of the sort. There 
is a time for everything and a place. I hardly be- 
lieve that the present time is opportune." 

"Well," observed the Major, "if that's your 
decision, I suppose that I must return when my 
relief work here is done. But why not persuade 
the Belgians to raise flowers in the spring and 
have the German soldiers toss them over into the 
Allies' trenches ? " 

"My friend," replied Eittmeister Merton, "I 
was nine months in the trenches and I learned that 
in many cases the men interchanged deeds of kind- 
ness and, afterwards, resumed fighting." 

Visiting Belgium in war time was more or less like 
the memorable trip of Christopher Columbus. To 
prove the actual visitation, souvenirs and trophies 
must be brought back to verify the traveller's stories 



no A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

of adventure and discovery. The Belgians had 
loaded down the Major with everything conceivable 
before his visit was over. These trophies comprised 
many photographs, war relics and the like that led to 
wonder in the American's mind whether it were not 
wise to leave them behind until after the war rather 
than to risk passing the lines with something that 
might be considered capital for the enemy. 

Among the souvenirs was an inkstand made of heads 
of shells and shrapnel, picked up at Antwerp and 
mounted in Belgian marble, presented by the Salva- 
tionist officers in Belgium arid especially inscribed to 
the Major and his wife. And there were little Bel- 
gian and American flags made by Belgian children to 
glorify their country. Other debatable relics were 
sure to be of interest to friends in America, but how 
might one expect to bring an enemy's colors and 
other suspicious articles through the German lines ? 

German officers had informed the Major that, so 
long as he was on the level and reported regularly 
to them, he might go about unmolested. Strength- 
ened, therefore, by this promise, he took his souvenirs 
to the Deutsche- Yermittlungstelle where it was de- 
manded that his bag be left for examination. Ke- 
turning for it ten days later the Major was happy 
to find nothing disturbed. The Germans had even 
taken particular pains to seal the bag in order that 
it might be carried safely through their lines. 

The staff of the Prussian army presented an 
interesting study to the stranger. Everything had 
been said to prejudice his mind — the stories of 



Interviews With German Officials ill 

atrocities, of spies shot, of cities burned, of the 
severity of military rule. Every week or so the 
strained diplomatic relations with America were 
at breaking point. Should the two countries 
become involved in war, what must happen to an 
American in German territory ? The position of a 
person, however inoffensive, caught thus in a land 
held by a foreign foe, would not be an enviable one. 

The Kaiser had made his staff responsible for Bel- 
gium, naturally they wondered what this American, 
who had come by the way of London, was doing then 
and there. It was difficult to foresee just what of an 
unpleasant character might develop unexpectedly. 

The American, who had experienced little of 
militarism at home, saw a great deal of the mov- 
ing of troops, so often compared to the operation of 
a mighty living machine. Some profitable lessons 
were drawn from contact with the men in control 
of the workings of this machine. Efficiency, their 
prime factor, is needed in all walks of life. There 
was also the resourcefulness of conservation whereby 
the loaf, ordinarily intended for one, is made to suf- 
fice for three. 

The German officers are educated men. As a 
rule, they speak English and French and have a 
grasp of the affairs of the world. In all their treat- 
ment, whether in Brussels at headquarters or in the 
provinces, the Major found them courteous, fair 
minded and human. 

But the militant Salvationist rejoiced that his own 
training had been for war in a different Army. 



What the Major Did in Belgium 

THE city of Brussels has been the scene of 
Salvation Army activities for the past 
twenty-five years. Some other large 
continental cities may have shown greater visible 
results to the appeals of militant Salvationism but 
Belgium's capital, before the war, had attested its 
appreciation to the organization in various ways. 
Winchell found, not a large, but an efficient work 
established and maintained in spite of the reverses 
of the war and famine. 

He found, whether among the poorest of the 
poor or the men high in business circles, that the 
organization was highly esteemed for fulfilling its 
work among the lowly. The large hall at 88 Kue 
Haute was crowded to capacity and many persons 
were unable to gain admittance. Meetings would 
begin about five o'clock, Sunday afternoons, and 
continue until ten o'clock, scarcely a person leaving 
during all these ^.ve hours. As the American 
visitor would go down and talk with people in the 
after -meetings, he found a great variety of lan- 
guages spoken, sundry interpreters being necessi- 
tated by the seemingly innumerable dialects. 

It was to be observed, however, that the Bruxel- 
lois is a more intelligent type than that encountered 

112 



What the Major Did in Belgium 113 

in the provinces. Thoroughly democratic, the peo- 
ple enjoyed immensely the enthusiasm of a Salva- 
tion Army meeting. There seemed to be a general 
awakening in matters spiritual, a hunger for relig- 
ion. The big platform was unable to hold all the 
converts and fifty or sixty had to stand in front for 
the after-meeting in a " glory wind-up," or what 
Billy Sunday calls " hitting the trail." Among the 
converts were business men as well as those of the 
laboring classes. And there were a number of 
prisoners of war, given leave of absence from the 
King's Palace and other government buildings in 
Brussels where they were confined. 

These included a young man from Luxemburg, a 
fine young Belgian who had carried two wounds 
from the battle of Liege where he was captured. 
This young fellow came boldly to the penitent form 
and exercised the faith that saved his soul. He 
was given a Salvation Army hymn-book and a 
New Testament. Never before had he seen a Tes- 
tament, he said, or a song book. The gifts went 
with him when he was led back to prison. Major 
Winchell met him again about a month later, when 
another leave of absence had been granted for an 
afternoon. He had read both books through and 
through. 

The relief work was equally divided between 
the Army's social institution at Eue Haute, under 
Adjutant and Mrs. Fomentain, and the rescue home 
for women on Pacification Street, under Ensign 
Miss Kossel. Both of these institutions meet a great 



] 14 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

need. Their working forces were placed at the 
disposal of the visiting Major. In the latter, gar- 
ments were made and in the former they were 
disbursed. Dr. Barrow of the C. E. B. visited both 
places and inspected their work. The few stories 
following will illustrate the character of the 
work carried on in Brussels, as related by Major 
"Winchell : 

" Colonel Austen Colgate, the soap manufac- 
turer and president of the Jersey City Cham- 
ber of Commerce, of which I am a member, 
gave me a letter of introduction to the Cham- 
ber of Commerce in Brussels. This letter I 
presented to a Mr. Fontaine, a friend of the 
Salvation Army and one of the influential busi- 
ness men of Brussels. He arranged a special 
committee of the Chamber of Commerce in that 
city to meet me after a very profitable conver- 
sation concerning the mutual relations of the 
two Chambers in a matter of reciprocity after 
the war. 

" The first week-end I spent was in South Bel- 
gium in the province of Hainault. This is one of 
the most populous industrial districts in the world. 
Cities varying from 5,000 to 50,000 inhabitants lie 
one after another with only a mile or two between 
and connected by tram and bus lines. It is very 
similar to the valleys of Pennsylvania. The chief 
occupations are coal mining, iron work and glass 
manufacturing. 

" As I could speak none of the prevailing Ian- 



What the Major Did in Belgium 115 

guages (French, Wallon, German and Flemish) I 
had to secure an interpreter. So Staff-Captain 
Blanchard looked over his ' disposition of forces ' 
and determined upon Cadet Jeanne Babando who 
was then stationed at Forchies-la-Marche. She 
was sent for. She had a little difficulty in getting 
a pass as she was French although, like Napoleon 
Bonaparte, the name was Italian. Miss Babando, 
only twenty-four years of age, was a fine linguist, 
having command of German as well as French and 
English. She was born a Salvationist, her parents 
having been officers of the * Armee de Salut ' in 
France for thirty years. She had eight brothers 
and sisters. Two of the brothers were in the army 
of the Allies and had been reported slain. Her 
mother was a widow residing in Brussels and pen- 
sioned by the Salvation Army. Cadet Jeanne 
proved herself able to interpret all my speeches, 
both public and private. She was a bright and 
cheerful Salvationist and, of course, that helped 
much. 

" Staff-Captain Blanchard, Cadet Babando and I 
made our way to the Sud Gare station in Brussels. 
I was in full uniform and the English words, ' The 
Salvation Army,' were written on the red band of 
my cap. It took special grace to wear it as I was 
conscious that it would attract considerable atten- 
tion. The moment we boarded a tram to reach the 
station, almost everybody gazed in curiosity and 
amazement. One Belgian gentleman asked, ' How 
is it that you, an Englishman, are allowed to travel 



1 16 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

about conducting meetings when Belgium is under 
German rule ? ' 

" I replied, ' I am not English. I am an Ameri- 
can, doing Salvation Army special work here. The 
Germans recognized the efficiency of our work and 
gladly granted passports to all the towns in which 
we operate.' 

" When we reached the railroad station, it was 
crowded with train loads of German soldiers on 
their way to the western front. There were many 
of these crowding about the platform. They were 
amazed, I should judge, to see the English so 
prominently displayed in their midst and occasion- 
ally I would hear them trying to spell out the 
letters which with difficulty they would pronounce 
'Salwashin Aumee,' then 'Heils Armee.' In all 
my trips I wore this red band and was greeted 
kindly and saluted. Only once or twice did I 
detect anything that seemed like a sneer. Many 
times I saluted the officers and my salute was re- 
turned with that dignified military grace and bear- 
ing which the German officer possesses. So I 
imagine that in the history of this war it will be 
written that the Germans actually saluted a uni- 
form that bore something English. When I made 
my first trip through the country, I wore on my 
coat a small Star and Stripes. On my second 
trip, I took this off and went under Salvation Army 
colors only. I was treated just as well. Here I 
look upon it that the effect of the uniform of a 
Salvationist is love and mercy. When it is worn, 



What the Major Did in Belgium 117 

nationalism and bitterness are dissolved by the 
virtues it represents. I wondered how I should 
have been received if I had worn the German 
* Heils Armee ' in London. I did not try it but I 
believe that it would have been shown the same 
respect. If you want to take a trip and have 
access and respect in the belligerent countries, be- 
come a Salvationist and wear its uniform. 

Charelroi : 

"We took our train at Brussels and I noticed 
that the railway system was very regular and the 
cars steam heated and kept in tidy condition. The 
service was excellent. Most of the cars carried 
soldiers. Only one was reserved for civilians. In 
this, of course, we rode. We reached Charelroi. 

" Charelroi seemed to be as active in business as 
Brussels and people were going about the same as 
ever. This city was frightfully damaged in its 
business centre during the first battles of the war 
but it is being rebuilt with fine modern buildings. 
While in Charelroi, I made arrangements to acquire 
tracts of land which the unemployed were to 
cultivate during the coming summer. I was well 
received by M. Easquin, superintendent of agri- 
cultural interests in the province of Hainault. 

Marchiennes-au-Pont : 

" Our party took the tram here for Marchiennes- 
au-Pont, about three or four miles distant. This is 
a town of twenty thousand people but two other 



n8 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

towns really join it. I noticed considerable dam- 
age, several streets being in ruins. 

"We found a large, wide-awake corps of the 
Salvation Army in Marchiennes-au-Pont. A great 
revival had been going on during the winter and 
one hundred and seventy-five souls were saved in 
eight weeks. The officers, Ensign and Mrs. De 
Court, were in charge and the Lieutenant who told 
me the story was their attache. The De Courts 
had assumed command since the battle, being at 
Forchies-la-Marche at that time. 

" I shall never forget the sincere welcome that 
the poor people here gave me. They look upon 
America as heaven in view of what has been done 
for them. They had seen no American. I, com- 
ing in their midst, was doubly welcome as an 
American and Salvationist combined. I cannot 
describe my reception better than by saying that, 
had I been an angel from heaven, I could not have 
been better received. So it was more or less in 
every place I visited and conducted meetings. 

" While at Marchiennes-au-Pont, I met a Baptist 
missionary, Kev. K. Yalet. This good brother had 
been engaged under the direction of the American 
Baptist Missionary Society, headquarters of which 
are in Boston, Mass., and on account of the diffi- 
culties of remitting money through the war lines 
and the censorship of the belligerent countries, 
funds had failed to reach him. His family was in 
a very precarious condition and had only the 
meagre portion of soup and bread dealt daily to 



What the Major Did in Belgium 1 19 

the poorest. I heard of his circumstances and 
had a long talk with him. It was with some hesi- 
tation that he accepted the help offered, but he 
was assured that the fund at my disposal could be 
used wherever I felt that it would do the most 
good. It was great joy to me to be able to help 
this faithful servant of God and his large family in 
the hour of distress. On my return to America I 
informed the secretary of the Baptist Missionary 
Society of my effort in his behalf and received a 
very kind letter of thanks. 

" My main work here was the arranging of food 
and clothing relief. I found that the Commission 
for Belief in Belgium, operating with the Comite 
Rationale Beige d'Secour et d' Alimentation, was 
getting food to every one in some shape or other. 
We could augment this by special cash grants to 
unemployed families and to those who had large 
families and were earning only a few francs a day. 
Besides this we arranged milk for infants in many 
families and soup kitchens to serve in special cases. 

u The main problem in Marchiennes-au-Pont and 
everywhere else was that winter was on and that 
people had worn out their clothing during the 
eighteen months of war and famine. I arranged to 
purchase six hundred pairs of sabots to be given to 
the most needy, and for garments for seven hun- 
dred and sixteen people in this city. 

" Mr. Jules Hubenot, my host, is one of the best 
known men in Belgium. He had been a prominent 
socialist in early life but, about twenty-two years 



120 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

ago, was converted at his home while receiving a 
visit from Marechale Booth Clibborn. His entire 
family was converted as well, becoming Salvation- 
ists, and ever since that time had been renowned 
for their earnest, sincere services and devotion to 
the work of the Army. He had a large family. 
One boy is now fighting in Flanders with the Bel- 
gian forces. He lives in a five-story chateau, one 
of the most imposing in the city, and surrounded 
by beautiful gardens with foliage and statuary. 
Mr. Hubenot is a merchant, carrying on an exten- 
sive hardware business, and is interested in the 
manufacture of mining machinery. 

"He became one of my warmest friends and 
associates while I was in Belgium, accompanying 
me to every city that I visited, paying his own ex- 
penses and contributing very liberally to all collec- 
tions. He composed a song of welcome which was 
sung by children in all parts of Belgium. The 
chorus follows : 

Je suis sauve\ Hallelujah, 
Comme 9a, Major Winchell, 
Je suis sauv6, Hallelujah, 
Venez, allez avec lui au ciel ! 

Mr. Hubenot is an accomplished singer himself and 
put plenty of hum and ' pep ' into all our meetings. 
He is a very humorous speaker, keeping people in 
uproarious laughter, but in no wise interfering with 
the reverential outcome of the meetings. When 
we got down into Flanders, I found Mr. Hubenot 



What the Major Did in Belgium 121 

of much assistance, as he speaks the Flemish lan- 
guage. By day he would look after his business 
interests in the various towns and gave some little 
time introducing me to prominent people. 

Montignies : 

" My next stop was Montignies, about ten miles 
distant. This also is a coal mining town, mostly 
populated by illiterate poor. I noticed many very 
old people, who seemed to be starving for kindness. 
A few words of love and good cheer fell like dew- 
drops upon their parched spirits. How grateful 
they all were ! 

" I was entertained here at the home of a poor 
cobbler who had gone to Germany to earn a living 
at his trade and had left his wife and mother to 
look after a small store which had brought no in- 
come since the war began. He would send remit- 
tances from Germany every two weeks. 

"I visited also the home of Mr. and Mrs. 
Yandercam, veteran Salvationists, four of whose 
children were officers of rank stationed in various 
parts of Belgium. Mother Yandercam was an 
invalid but a woman of sweet Christian spirit. 
Here I arranged to purchase clothing for one hun- 
dred children. The suits were made by the com- 
rades of the corps. 

Lodelinsart : 

" Our little party visited this town and found a 
fine work, conducted by Ensign Yandercam, one of 



122 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

the sons just mentioned. The ensign properly be- 
longs to Paris headquarters. In August, 1914, he 
was home with his parents for a short furlough in 
Belgium but could not return on account of German 
occupation. He could in no way communicate with 
the French commander of the Armee de Salut, so 
he informed Staff-Captain Blanchard that he would 
take an appointment. Therefore Lodelinsart was 
his post. The ensign is a man of superior qualities 
and soon got in touch with the needs of the com- 
munity and organized a station for the distribution 
of relief in connection with the Hotel de Yille of 
that commune. On the occasion of my first visit, 
some 400 children were brought in to the tables. 

" In the big theatre at Lodelinsart, we organized 
a soup kitchen for school children. At first we 
cared for 400 but, before I left, we were able to 
feed 1,400. The school teachers marched the 
children directly from their studies and they were 
seated in relays' of 500. The picture herewith 
shows 800 youngsters to whom we made a special 
contribution of woolen stockings, the city having 
donated sabots or wooden shoes. The Salvation 
Army and the commune collaborate in this great 
public relief. I was received by a committee ap- 
pointed by the commune council and a deputation 
of school teachers, headed by their superintendent. 

" It was with great difficulty this picture was ob- 
tained, the local German commandant objecting on 
account of laws prohibiting an assembly on the 
street, but our good friend, M. Metizger, a Swiss- 



What the Major Did in Belgium 123 

German, a wealthy coal distributor, invited us into 
his garden and the picture was taken in the wide 
open lawn in front of his chateau. 

"An amusing incident occurred upon the occa- 
sion of my introduction to these little black-eyed 
Belgians. There were assembled there fully four 
hundred who filed in at the tables, standing, as it 
was announced that the man from America had 
come to visit them. So much had been heard about 
America that they wanted to see a real live Amer- 
ican, quite forgetting their soup in the excitement 
and curiosity. Seated on the stage, I enjoyed their 
soup with forty young ones who watched me closely 
the while. The little boy next me turning his head 
away for a moment, I quite shamelessly stole a 
spoonful of his soup. Unanimously the small Bel- 
gians cheered the bold man who had come all the 
way from America to rob a poor little Belgian boy 
of his soup. They laughed and applauded in high- 
est glee — and the little boy got another whole plate 
of soup. 

"That night a deputation of two, one a tiny 
three-year-old girl, waited upon me, as shown in 
the picture, bringing a bouquet and the other sing- 
ing a specially written song. In nearly every town 
I was welcomed by little Belgian and American 
flags, borne and made by the children who demon- 
strated in every possible way their gladness upon 
seeing me. 

" Upon my second visit, February 10th, there 
was a great reception by the authorities. Mr. 



124 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

Cornelius Debruyn headed a committee to give a 
civic welcome, making an address, most pathetic 
and inspiring. The substance of his remarks was 
that the Belgian people regretted that any bitter- 
ness should come between them and the Germans 
who had been friends for many centuries. He ex- 
pressed a hope that the time might hasten when 
the terrible war should cease, true justice and 
equity be meted out to all and the wounds be 
healed. He voiced also in behalf of his town 
thankfulness to the American people and to Gen- 
eral Booth. 

" I replied by saying that the remarks of Mr. 
Debruyn conveyed the finest spirit that I had ever 
heard expressed ; that I purposed on my return to 
America to make this known to the American 
people and that nothing would be of greater in- 
spiration to our country which loved and appreci- 
ated the sacrifice of Belgian people. 

" I was entertained at the home of a brother of 
Ensign Yandercam, who is superintendent of one 
of the largest glass factories in Belgium. This big 
concern had been closed since the war started, ex- 
port business being impossible. 

Forchies-la-Marche : 

" Ensign L. Yandercam, daughter of the family 
described at Montignies, has charge here with 
Cadet Babando, my interpreter. On both visits 
to this town, January 13th and February 9th, a 
very extensive relief was organized. Here the 



What the Major Did in Belgium 125 

Bourgrestre J. Monreau-Lemaire of the city pre- 
sided. The town had been decorated to welcome 
me, hundreds of little flags having been made by 
the children and posted everywhere. Some flags 
were quite large, and people were unable to buy 
these flags as there were none on sale and they 
had no money anyway. 

" The ensign had taught the children some Sal- 
vation Army choruses in English and these little 
ones, numbering several hundred, would sing with 
that peculiar charming Belgian accent that gave a 
tinge to the melody. So anxious were they to 
make me appreciate their sincerity that they would 
stand on their very tiptoes and voluntarily stretch 
out their hands to me, clapping and cheering. 
Never shall I forget those dear little faces and 
beautiful eyes, expressive of love and appreciation. 
Our hall was so crowded as to be almost unbear- 
able and the streets were filled with people clamor- 
ing to get in. I had to walk up and down the 
streets of this town that the people might see me 
and shake my hand. I went to visit one man who 
had been bedridden for three years. His spine had 
been injured by a cave-in in a mine. He had to 
lift himself to a sitting posture by means of a 
miniature derrick placed above his head. He had 
lain there all those years and very glad was he 
when I called and prayed with him. A devout 
member of the Salvation Army, his time was spent 
chiefly in reading the Bible. 

" One of the most interesting converts I have ever 



126 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

met was a woman whom I heard speak in Forchies. 
Criminally insane for years, she had murdered a 
man and had cut her own throat from ear to ear 
but, when she sought the mercies of God at the 
Army's penitent form, her reason had returned. 
Now she is a woman of fine mentality and is recog- 
nized as one of the most earnest Christian workers 
in the province of Hainault. 

" In this town I made an extensive trip to secure 
potato land for the unemployed. A very successful 
venture had been made the previous year and the 
following is the report of what was accomplished : 
On three and one-half acres, thirty-two families had 
planted and cultivated in small plots. The result 
was that they had gathered in for the winter 
something like 39,000 pounds of potatoes which 
made about six hundred bushels. The expense of 
renting the land and plowing the same was about 
seven hundred francs. 

Bracquinnies : 

"Adjutant and Mrs. Crozier have charge here. 
In Bracquinnies my first function was to conduct 
the funeral of the late Sergeant John Boutet. 
The sergeant had planned to attend my meeting 
but, two days before, he went down into a mine, 
2,200 feet, and was crushed to death by a fall of 
sand. Himself a former anarchist, he had come of 
an anarchist family, and a brother is serving now a 
life sentence for throwing bombs. The sergeant 
was converted twelve years before, and his life 



What the Major Did in Belgium 127 

spoke volumes for Christ. Fully one thousand 
miners, with bowed heads, stood outside his 
cottage during the services in spite of inclement 
weather. Here I made a liberal grant to the 
widow and her baby. 

"I was entertained in Bracquinnies by one of 
the poor miners. I desired to learn exactly how 
the people were faring. It was somewhat difficult 
for me to ask many questions but nevertheless I 
managed to spend the evening, take supper, sleep 
all night, and have breakfast. The poorest of the 
poor Belgians are spotlessly clean. The women 
are constantly scrubbing floors and fronts of houses, 
and washing windows. So it was not hard to 
share their meals of black coffee, bread and jam — 
not much nourishment for a strong man to eat and 
carry for luncheon and come back to get the same 
thing, day after day. Still I found no complaint 
and they were more cheerful than myself at having 
that kind of fare. In fact, I never found among 
those with whom I had much intercourse any dis- 
content. They seemed to be following the Scrip- 
ture, ' Take no thought of the morrow ; sufficient 
unto the day is the evil thereof.' In this town, 
Adjutant Crozier had acquired some tracts of land 
for the cultivation of potatoes which I sanctioned 
during my visit. 

Mons : 

" Although we have no work in the immediate 
centre of this city, it was my privilege to visit here 



128 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

several times. Mons is a fine, well-built city with 
a magnificent civic centre. It is a town of about 
25,000 people. There had been some fierce fight- 
ing in this city and one portion was badly damaged 
on account, as the Germans say, of the snipers who 
were hiding in basements and on roofs. Every- 
thing seems to be quite active, business going about 
the same as in any other community as far as I 
could ascertain. 

Quaregnon : 

"Adjutant A. Eenaud has had charge of this 
city for a number of years. She is one of the 
heroines of the war. Thus she told her story: 
'When the English troops came to build their 
trenches near Mons where I am stationed, I found 
them very busy with their work, so that my 
lieutenant and I made up a large amount of tea 
and coffee and lunches and carried them to the 
troops while they were working. Later they were 
overwhelmed and driven back by the Germans 
after three days of fighting. My chief work was 
during the time of the rain of shot and shell. My 
corps was located in the very battle centre. In 
the face of terrific fire, we gathered the women 
and children into a bomb-proof cellar underneath 
our building where they were kept for forty-eight 
hours. After the English had been driven back 
and the Germans, hungry and fatigued, came along, 
I invited them in as well and provided lunches for 
them in our hall.' 



What the Major Did in Belgium 129 

"Quaregnon is one of the greatest Salvation 
Army centres I have ever had the privilege of 
seeing. Altogether we visited this town three 
times and conducted six meetings. Here we 
organized a large relief work especially in the way 
of wooden shoes and clothing. Again in this city 
the people begged me to walk up and down the 
streets and I was greeted by thousands. 

Seraing : 

"After a few days' rest in Brussels, our trio 
booked a passage for Seraing. This is a large 
suburb on the outskirts of Liege. "We had to 
transfer from railroad train to tram which brought 
us to our destination in about forty minutes. Liege 
proper was not much damaged by the invasion, 
although we passed through streets where hand 
grenades had exploded against the buildings, break- 
ing windows and cutting up the fronts of buildings. 
The fighting was in the great forts which sur- 
round the city at a distance of a few miles in each 
direction. We had to cross the River Meuse and 
pass by the great Cotteril Steel Works, the most 
extensive in that part of Europe. 

" We have a very interesting corps in this city 
where great things have been accomplished. The 
dominant political power of this community is 
pronounced Socialism. It is probably the strongest 
centre of Socialism, although most of the industrial 
towns are under the control of this party. The 
Salvation Army does not mix much in political 



130 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

discussions but carries on the work of saving the 
people which it considers the best brand of social 
advancement. In Seraing, we organized a relief 
work, not as extensive as in other places, but a 
number of needy families were given weekly grants 
from the fund which I handled. Here I met one 
of the superintendents of the iron works who gave 
me quite a knowledge of industrial conditions, ex- 
plaining that probably one-third of the mills and 
foundries were in operation but it was hard to 
get results from laborers because of lack of nour- 
ishment. 

Verviers : 

" Captain Yan Hooland is in charge here. She 
is the brave little woman who walked forty-five 
miles to report for duty at the outbreak of the war 
and was sent by Staff-Captain Blanchard to this 
corps. Through her enterprise, one of the largest 
relief stations had been established in connection 
wjth the city authorities. One hundred thousand 
francs is spent every week in feeding about 22,000 
people out of a population of 60,000. A large part 
of this money is donated by the Eelief Commission 
and in turn goods are purchased from the Com- 
mission. About eighty per cent, of the money is 
donated by the C. K. B. and the rest raised by the 
wealthy classes either in donations or taxes. 

"While at Yerviers I was entertained at the 
home of M. and Mme. Pilizer of the Claremont 
Chateau which is surrounded by magnificent gar- 



What the Major Did in Belgium 131 

dens. M. Pilizer probably is one of the wealthiest 
men in Belgium, and is one of the most extensive 
serge manufacturers in the world. He suffered 
severe loss at the time of the invasion. The use of 
his carriage was proffered, but, on account of the 
steep hills, I preferred to walk, visiting, some miles 
distant, many historic spots. 

" The next day near Liege we took a trip viewing 
the graves where hundreds of brave men lie buried, 
one containing 345 German soldiers interred side 
by side. German authorities have fenced this in 
and beautifully adorned it with flowers, some 
blooming even in the month of January. Just ten 
feet away was another grave wherein 218 Belgians 
are buried in like manner. At one end of this 
grave a crucifix had been erected and the earth 
was verdant with the work of loving hands. I 
plucked one or two flowers near these graves and 
put them in the band of my cap to bring back to 
this country. 

" Eeturning from these scenes, we were coming 
through to Seraing and had to change cars at 
Liege. While passing through that city on a Sun- 
day afternoon — it was the second day of the bom- 
bardment at Yerdun — we could hear distinctly the 
booming of the big guns although it was a distance 
of a hundred miles or more. It is possible that this 
sound was carried along the river bed of the Meuse, 
as that stream runs not only through Yerdun but 
winds its way to Liege. The firing there must 
have been terrific. 



132 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

Louvain and Tervueren : 

" One day while in conversation with the Amer- 
ican Minister, Mr. Brand Whitlock, he requested 
me to interest myself during my trips through Bel- 
gium in behalf of a certain class of needy people. 
Mr. Whitlock stated that he had a fund at his dis- 
posal and was particularly anxious to help those 
who had suffered the most. He referred especially 
to once well-to-do persons who had lost their homes 
and possessions at the time of the invasion. These 
people being homeless would feel their loss more 
keenly than those who had been always drifting 
about. So I took special pains to find that class. 
Of course, the larger number had fled with the 
refugees at the beginning of the war, but there are 
many hundreds who decided to remain in Belgium 
even though their houses and possessions were des- 
troyed. While doing some relief work in Louvain, 
I found a man who had been for forty-five years a 
public official in that city. Eow he cannot do the 
legal work that brought him an income. He has 
built a little shanty in which he sells cigars and in 
the back of which, together with his wife, he lives. 
He does not make enough to keep the wolf from 
the door. This case was reported to Mr. Whitlock 
who assured me that he would assume the respon- 
sibility of caring for them. In Tervueren I found 
a broker, prosperous before the war, but now re- 
duced to penury. This case also was reported and, 
with others that I found, was relieved. Louvain 
was a sadly damaged city as described. 



What the Major Did in Belgium 133 

" For many blocks were heaps of ruins. The town 
hall was intact, but the great library a desolation 
and the Cathedral about half destroyed. Tervueren 
has one of the most magnificent museums in the 
world, constructed by the late King Leopold, de- 
voted to exhibits from the Congo. This has been 
in no way molested. 

Antwerp : 

" Staff-Captain Blanchard and myself made sev- 
eral trips to Antwerp. This is the second largest 
city in Belgium and suffered much from the bom- 
bardment. Quite a number of fine buildings were 
injured not far from the city hall. This town ap- 
peared to me to be pretty much deserted, as was 
the case in Brussels, for a large proportion of the 
wealthiest people had made their exodus and busi- 
ness seemed to be almost at a standstill. Yet, in 
some parts, there was activity. Ensign Meates and 
her lieutenant had charge of the corps here. They 
have quite a large hall, crowded every night. I 
understand that many people come to the cheerful 
meetings, saving in this manner expenses of fuel 
and light at their homes. Perhaps there is no town 
where our relief work is more extensive and fills 
more of a need than right here. 

Lille, France : 

"There is a Salvation Army corps at Croix, 
environs of Lille, where the officers have been cut 
off from all communication ever since the early 



134 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

days of the war. "We had feared that they might 
be starving or at least suffering through the bom- 
bardment. I made a strong effort to reach these 
heroic workers. Application for a pass, recom- 
mended at Brussels, was refused by the Com- 
mander at Lille. Hence I was not privileged to 
visit Adjutant Blanc, to conduct meetings and to 
organize relief for her corps, but the Germans 
kindly investigated local needs, the Adjutant re- 
plying through the investigators that I could remit 
money to them at any time desired. This was 
done promptly and, the day before leaving Belgium, 
I received, by a German government messenger, a 
receipt on the back of which the Adjutant had 
written : ' We are keeping our Blood and Fire 
banner waving high in the midst of all the trouble. 
We are visiting the poor people and cheering them. 
Meetings are well attended and souls are being 
converted. Money sent came at a time of desper- 
ate need and will be of great benefit. Thank you 
so much.' " 

During the nine weeks that Major Winchell 
spent in Belgium he conducted thirty-four meet- 
ings, some two hundred and fifty converts kneel- 
ing at the penitent form, and as many in meetings 
following — a total of five hundred souls confessing 
Christ. Everywhere great throngs listened to the 
American. 

The relief work already organized in each city 
where the Army had a corps was enlarged. A 
weekly subsidy of three to five francs was given to 



What the Major Did in Belgium 135 

five hundred families to last until the end of war. 
Beside this a well organized relief corps was to be 
found in each town in which the Army operates, 
working together with the officials. Cloth was 
purchased and garments made under Salvation 
Army direction for several thousand children. 
Sabots or wooden shoes were bought and presented 
to about three thousand poor persons. Milk sta- 
tions were established wherever milk could be ob- 
tained. Land was acquired in three districts for 
potato raising. 

Altogether the work organized by the Major is 
of peculiar effectiveness. Through the established 
corps of the Armee de Salut those who suffered 
most were sought out and helped because in the 
vast relief of the Commission there are not facilities 
to seek out these individual cases. There is no 
question but that many of the thousands aided by 
Major WinchelPs special mission among the old, 
sick and helpless would have perished of privation. 
The Army, in other words, got to the forgotten ones. 

It is a pity that just such a work is not organ- 
ized in every city. Not to be overlooked is the 
effectiveness of the Salvation Army in these Belgian 
towns in comforting the people who are lonely, 
literally starving for friendship. The officers of 
the Army are among the most devoted and self- 
sacrificing Christian workers in the world and the 
people love them for this. The Major found uni- 
forms and other clothing for all the field officers 
under Staff-Captain Blanchard's command. 



XI 

The Children of Belgium 

When a deed is done for Freedom, 
Through the broad earth's aching breast 
Goes a thrill of joy prophetic, 
Trembling on from East to West ; 
And the slave, where'er he cowers, 
Feels the soul within him climb 
To the awful verge of manhood, 
As the energy sublime 
Of a century bursts, full blossomed, 
On the thorny stem of Time. 

Eight forever on the scaffold, 
Wrong forever on the throne, 
Yet that scaffold sways the future 
And, in the dim unknown, 
Standeth God within the shadow, 
Keeping watch above His own. 

— Lowell, 

THE little state of Belgium has been, for 
centuries, between the upper and the 
nether millstone of European politics ; 
for centuries alternating 'twixt Austria and Spain 
and Holland; sometimes united and sometimes 
split up into independent dukedoms. But since 

136 



The Children of Belgium 137 

1830, when it declared its independence from Hol- 
land, it has been developed into a constitutional 
monarchy. It has become in recent years a pros- 
perous nation, granting in many ways, by the right 
of franchise, greater liberties than are enjoyed in 
some so-called republics. 

Thus the constant injection of the variegated life 
and customs of every European people, commin- 
gling for centuries, has made Belgium not unlike 
America as " a melting pot." 

The Belgians, therefore, are cemented from 
ingredients of French, German, Flemish, Spanish 
and Anglo-Saxon as well. 

The poorer people, on account of these national 
vicissitudes for years upon years, have been neg- 
lected and among the peasant and industrial 
classes much illiteracy and consequent immoral 
conditions have existed. But during the past two 
decades the government, alternating between the 
clericals and liberals by the vote of an independent 
" balance of power," has forced legislation that has 
done much for the betterment of the common 
people. 

Public schools are established in every commune 
and the government has made it possible for chil- 
dren and their parents to determine as to religious 
instruction. The state also backs Protestant as 
well as Catholic instruction in the churches. The 
Salvation Army has enjoyed liberal consideration 
from both clergy and governmental officials. 

So the children of Belgium have suffered dis- 



138 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

advantages that have been escaped in many other 
European countries. There has been no compul- 
sory education, hence the large percentage of 
illiteracy among the population. The German 
government, as in Germany, now compels all 
Belgian children, under fourteen years of age, to 
attend school. 

Among the distressing conditions in Belgium is 
extreme poverty and, in the coal mining districts 
especially, the evils of child and woman labor. 
Women, even mothers, have been compelled by 
sheer necessity to work in the coal mines, but laws 
are now enforced forbidding much of this class of 
labor which in past centuries has undermined the 
welfare of child life. The number of women who 
work in the mines has been greatly reduced since 
the war began. 

Major Winchell, in his American field, has 
mingled perhaps as much as any man with the 
children of all nationalities, encountering thou- 
sands in his great enterprises to improve con- 
ditions in American cities wherein he has labored. 
He knows the Irish, the Poles, the Jews, the Italians 
and about every other nationality of juveniles, but 
during this mission he mingled, for the first time, 
with the little Belgians. What fine little fellows 
these little rotund Belgian kiddies are ! Bright, 
alert and with sweet faces, they have a stock for a 
glorious future. Given the opportunity that the 
outcome of this war may bring, they will not have 
suffered in vain. From them, if given advantage, 




A CIVIC RECEPTION WAS GIVEN TO THE MAJOR AT 
LODELINSART. THESE TWO BELGIAN CHILDREN 

BROUGHT FLOWERS AND AN ADDRESS IN BEHALF OF 
THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS EXPRESSING THEIR GRATITUDE 
TO AMERICA. 



The Children of Belgium 139 

will come great things to determine the future 
weal of the race. Belgium will not have been cru- 
cified in vain upon the cross of steel and fire in this 
terrible war. Through their suffering is coming a 
blessedness of vision, a development of the intensity 
of soul life. 

If the people of America, especially those who 
have contributed in any way to the relief of Bel- 
gium, could only have been in that country, how 
happy they would have been to see and to hear the 
enthusiastic gratitude of the inhabitants, more par- 
ticularly of the dear little children ! 

Oh, how they love America — how they wanted 
the fact known ! How they hoped that the Major 
might return to his great land and say " Thank 
you " so loudly, so emphatically, that all America 
might know they meant it ! 

" The thought came to me," says Major Win- 
chell, " as I went in and out among these Belgians, 
listening to their greetings, some pathetic, all 
affectionate, that, if the rulers of the nations de- 
sire to make conquest, it must be through the very 
methods of human kindness. 

" Were the question asked, * Who conquered 
Belgium ? ' the true answer would be ' The Presi- 
dent of the United States.' The Belgian common 
people give to him the credit for backing the move- 
ment to feed them in the years of war and famine. 
Possible it is that America gets more credit than 
she deserves, for other nations have done their part 
and should have their share in the loving gratitude 



140 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

of the Belgians, but to America, nevertheless, seems 
to be accorded all the glory. 

" In one meeting I said : ' Now, children, I am 
going to return to America. Had I pockets enough, 
I should like to take all of you back with me. How 
many would like to go?' The response may be 
imagined. 

" America must not forget to keep going the 
work so magnificently begun in poor little Bel- 
gium. To see the multitude of upturned faces, to 
behold the outstretched hands, to hear the sweet 
voices in song would move any heart not adamant, 
would burn into one's very soul. 

" Should the war be long continued, let us pray 
that the blockade of the Allies may be kept still 
open, that the Teuton arms may allow their gates 
of steel to swing wide for the world's philanthropy 
to starving Belgium. May the supply in no wise 
diminish. God knows the need. May He quicken 
the hearts of them to whom He has entrusted 
plenty. 

" Many letters from the children, expressive of 
greatest gratitude, came to me from almost every 
Belgian town or village visited. In Forchies-la- 
Marche my souvenir was a piece of muslin on 
which had been drawn in crayon a picture cap- 
tioned, ' Yive l'Amerique.' There was the golden 
sun shining upon the Western land, the ship on the 
ocean to bear me back, the birds of passage and of 
peace, the lighthouse flying the Stars and Stripes. 
With this came a letter, signed by 160 children, 



The Children of Belgium 141 

who had pledged themselves to pray for a month 
that my return voyage to America might be safe. 
How could harm befall one for whom so many 
prayed in America and for whom such faith was 
shown in Belgium ? " 

Following are translations of a few of the many 
letters that Major Winchell received, while in Bel- 
gium, from his little friends : 



Zodelinsart, February 10, 1916. 
Sir: 

Our hearts filled with gratitude, we, the pu- 
pils of the school for girls at Lodelinsart, Aulniats, 
come to thank you for all your generosity. Never 
shall we forget you ! Our thankfulness towards 
you is unlimited. Years later, when we shall think 
of the dread times through which our dear country 
passed, we shall remember that you came from 
America to help the unfortunates. 

We say good-bye to you, we wish you a good 
voyage and return, and we beg you to take to our 
friends in America heartiest greetings. 

(Signed by eighteen pupils.) 



Quaregnon, February 6, 1916. 
Major Winchell : 

I have no words to thank you for all you 
have done for us. Your kindness is great and your 
charity incomparable. Be assured that you have 
not forgotten a needy one. I repeat my heartiest 
thanks, begging you to accept the expression of my 
sincerest remembrance. 

Clementine L'Han. 



142 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

Seraing, February 10, 1916. 
(With photograph.) 

In remembrance of your visit to us. "We 
shall never forget your goodness and we hope that 
this picture will remind you often that we are 
thinking gratefully of yourself. 

Maethe Westdag and 
Little Victoeine. 



Marchiennes, February 10, 1916. 
Sie: 

Once more to-day, for giving them an agree- 
able surprise, you have gathered a party of children 
to whom you gave a delicious soup. At every oc- 
casion and under every circumstance you show the 
interest you have in those whom Fate has disin- 
herited. 

How to give you thanks ? How to give thanks 
also to all those who at Santa Claus and New Years 
have not forgotten the little ones and have given 
them a little of the joy of former and more happy 
years. 

We all are full of thanks which we do not know 
how to express. With all the strength of our 
lungs, we cry: "Thanks, gentlemen. Be blessed 
for your generosity. Yive l'Amerique ! " 

Beetha Vamsmad. 



Quaregnon, February 6, 1916. 
Majoe Winchell : 

With this I express my best wishes and feel- 
ings of thankfulness towards Major Winchell. His 
heart is full of humanity. Unfortunately his pres- 



The Children of Belgium 143 

ence is too short. I see in the Major my greatest 
benefactor after God Himself. 

I pray to God that He will guide you on your 
return to America. Excuse me, my dear Major, 
when my writing is not perfect. I am your humble 
servant, praying to God for a safe voyage for you. 
Accept my regards and respect. 

Leon Mahien. 

Belgium children are worth saving. They must 
be better fed. The lack of proper nourishment 
weakens their constitution and tuberculosis and 
other ailments have resulted to an alarming extent. 

If it were not for the soup and bread provided 
600,000 poor children utterly dependent would prob- 
ably perish while the remaining million and a half 
are more or less dependent, as well as the adult 
population. 

Blessings upon the President of the United States 
and the governors of states and local committees and 
especially upon Mr. Herbert Hoover and his co- 
adjutators for keeping up the work of the Commis- 
sion for Belief in Belgium. 

Blessings upon the General and officers of the 
Salvation Army and all others who are doing their 
best to keep alive these precious souls until a 
brighter day. 



XII 
Social Conditions 

SOCIAL conditions in Belgium constitute one 
of the most interesting studies ever presented 
by any country in any age of the world's 
history. Comparison might be found in the Baby- 
lonish occupation of Jerusalem, or in the Koman 
domination of Carthage. 

This war will stand out in ages to come as the 
third great crisis of the world since the Creation. 
First, the Deluge ; second, the Crucifixion ; third, 
this World War. 

Belgium is the storm centre of the war, and has 
been so since the first gun was fired. What ob- 
servations are made in this chapter are entirely 
from an independent view-point as Major Winchell 
saw the situation. He is under no bias of opinion, 
pro-one way or pro-another. He frankly told a 
German official that he was neutral, purposing to 
return to America and relate things as he actually 
found them. The reply was: "We are satisfied 
if you will tell the truth. Had the truth been told 
from the beginning, the American public would 
not have the prejudice that now exists." 

The Major tells of exact conditions as he found 
them, favorable or otherwise. He did not go to 
Belgium to exploit war relations. He went to 

144 



Social Conditions 145 

perform a work of relief, to cheer the poor and to 
do all in his power to promote peace and good will 
among the nations. In all that he says, the Major 
strives to keep the object of his mission clear and 
unsullied. 

It is true that he saw many cities in ruins or 
badly damaged as were described again and again 
in the early part of the war and would not be of 
special interest. It is not for him to discuss causes 
or to place responsibility. His story is of social 
and economic conditions as they really exist at the 
present time. Those of the American public and 
of the world at large who have had any part in the 
support of Belgium have a right to know as far as 
the Major's observations go. Speaking of German 
atrocities in Belgian territory, Major Winchell said 
on his return to America : 

" Some atrocities undoubtedly were committed 
not contemplated in the tactics of ordinary war- 
fare. War in any phase is cruel, barbarous. I met 
the Belgian girl whose arm was severed by a Ger- 
man soldier's sword. I had some talk with her. 
She has forgiven the soldier that did the deed and 
holds no malice. This is the case which was pub- 
lished everywhere and which led the world to be- 
lieve that such practices were common in Belgium. 
Incidents of this sort follow inevitably in the wake 
of all wars, even as they were present in the Amer- 
ican civil strife of 1861-1865. I heard other stories 
of cruelties in the beginning. As to the disfiguring 
of children not one such instance came to my knowl- 



146 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

edge though I mingled with the people in all sec- 
tions and heard all kinds of reports." 

" Is the German military rule in Belgium severe 
and oppressive ? " was asked. 

" In the battle zone, which is completely under 
military dictation, I should say ' Yes.' In that 
portion under the civil governor, however, it is 
rigid but not what we would term severe. I be- 
lieve that the German government has done much 
to reestablish normal conditions, to win back the 
Belgians, especially the wealthier class, in order 
that business activities might be resumed. To this 
end they have been most tolerant. Many induce- 
ments are made and some are accepted, but a ma- 
jority of Belgians are in resentful mood. A mem- 
ber of the American legation remarked to me that 
the more they saw of Baron von Bissing, the civil 
governor, the more were they impressed that he 
was a man who had the welfare of the people at 
heart. Continuing this gentleman added, * But he 
has a tough job.' " 

" How about industrial conditions ? " is another 
question often asked since the Major's return. 

" Never better so far as agriculture is concerned," 
is the invariable reply. He had ample opportunity 
to become acquainted with the true facts, having 
to find and rent land on which potatoes might be 
raised. He devoted much time also to the indus- 
trial districts. Coal mining is fairly active, the 
men working about a third of the time. Mines are 
operated by the owners but they are required to 



Social Conditions 147 

pay a large war tax which has sent up the price of 
coal to about eleven dollars a ton. Last winter 
was very mild so that there was not great suffering 
among the people. 

The glass works, for which Belgium is famous, 
are not working at all. Neither are the lace indus- 
tries in Brussels. The iron and steel works about 
Liege operate on one-third time, this information 
being derived from a superintendent out of employ- 
ment at Seraing. Tram car lines, running from 
city to city and through the rural sections as well, 
are controlled and operated by Belgian corporations 
as formerly, but the railways are entirely in the 
hands of the Germans who use them principally for 
military purposes. 

" As to the general appearance of the people and 
of local business activities," said the Major, " I was 
quite surprised to find most of the population fairly 
well dressed and going about in a peaceful way. 
On tram or railway trains there is little conversa- 
tion, little expression of opinion among the people. 
Few questions are asked by either Germans or 
Belgians. 

" Automobiles are not permitted to be used ex- 
cept by the German army or the C. R. B. But 
very many persons ride bicycles and there are 
plenty of teams. Likewise I was surprised to see 
fairly good horses. To be sure, dogs and donkeys 
are the chief burden bearers in these days in Bel- 
gium. There is some live stock. One unusually 
large flock of sheep were pastured in the extensive 



148 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

park in Saint Gilles, near which I roomed. Eetail 
shops appear to be carrying on business all over 
the country. Fruit, vegetables and fresh meats 
now obtainable are of native production. Every 
shop seemed well stocked although prices were 
high, as in Holland, despite German efforts to keep 
them down. I saw quantities of oranges and other 
tropical fruits but did not ascertain whence they 
came. Sea food is plentiful, especially shell fish, 
much of this being derived from Germany or Hol- 
land, the fighting forces occupying the greater 
share of Belgium's own shores. Supplies of cloth- 
ing were in a way to become exhausted. Wishing 
to procure cloth for our officers' uniforms, we found 
the supply very limited." 

"Are there many men in Belgium and, if so, 
how do they spend their time ? " 

" There were more than a million men in the 
country, I was told. All those of military age are 
' under control ' and must report regularly to the 
German authorities. Normal pursuits of life, keep- 
ing certain business interests in operation, afford 
employment to many, and large numbers have gone 
to Germany to do men's work in place of the sol- 
diers who are at the front. 

" The greater percentage, however, are idle. 
They cannot or will not work. It was interesting 
to see them walking here and there for it is pro- 
hibited to congregate in the streets. Groups, per- 
haps fifteen or twenty in number, saunter along 
discussing the war. These groups are dubbed ' de'l 



Social Conditions 149 

estaffe-unis ' and the reason given for so many men 
not in the Belgian army is that they had had no 
time to enlist before the sudden German occupa- 
tion. Every Tuesday there appeared to be much 
business transacted on the Bourse in Brussels." 

"How about the theatres and other pleasure 
resorts ? " 

" Brussels presents a decidedly cheerful aspect at 
night in striking contrast to darkened London. 
Everything seemed to be in full blast. All the 
theatres and motion picture palaces are open as 
usual and enjoy fair patronage. This statement, 
probably, is not true to such an extent in the 
provincial towns, Brussels itself being thronged 
continually by German officers revelling in the one 
big city near the western front. Visiting several 
playhouses on different nights, I found large audi- 
ences. At some Flemish is spoken, at others 
French, while still others offer German perform- 
ances by German artists. 

"School sessions and church services proceed 
just as before the war. Belgians, in so far as 
ascertained, are permitted to worship without in- 
terference. I attended service at the great Saint 
Eglise Ste-Gudule in Brussels, a Koman Catholic 
church very like St. Patrick's Cathedral in ISTew 
York City. On this particular occasion, the Kaiser's 
birthday, a military mass was conducted by Ger- 
man priests. Germany's school law has been en- 
forced in Belgium, compelling children to attend 
school until fourteen years of age. Heretofore, 



150 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

the education of these little ones had been neglected, 
thousands having been forced to work in mines and 
factories at the tender age of eight. 

"Belgian daily newspapers — about three in 
Brussels — are allowed to print the news in brief. 
There are usually two or three columns of para- 
graph telegrams from all parts of the world, which 
news, in ordinary times, would occupy as many 
pages. Published matter is reliable but, of course, 
strictly censored by the Germans. Those were 
anxious days for me and I was eager to get every 
possible line of American news. It was at the 
time of the Persia incident, when the President 
was dealing with Germany on the subject, and I 
gained intelligence sufficient to know how near to 
a breaking point the two countries had been. 

" News stands were well supplied with weekly 
and monthly publications mostly German. Kotter- 
dam papers were in circulation. Somewhere in 
Belgium there is published a newspaper called 
Libre Beige, the source of which the German 
authorities were unable to locate, nor did they 
know who was its author or where it was printed. 
This sheet was very bitter in denunciation of Ger- 
man rule and it is widely circulated in spite of the 
rigid Teuton censorship. Belgians, especially the 
French element, are more than eager to obtain 
Parisian newspapers which are brought into the 
country by means unknown. I saw none of these 
but was told that they bring as high as twenty-five 
francs, or about $5.00, a copy. 



Social Conditions 151 

" Kev. William T. McLaughlin and Eev. E. A. 
Kelly, rectors of Koman Catholic churches in my 
home town, Jersey City, gave me letters of intro- 
duction to members of the clergy in Belgium. I 
had hoped to meet his eminence, Cardinal Mercier, 
but the latter being in Eome the letters were sent 
to his secretary by Professor Hanus, a lay member 
of the Cathedral at Malines. This was at about the 
time that Cardinal Mercier had requested the es- 
tablishment of a court comprising German, Belgian 
and neutral cardinals to decide upon the alleged 
destruction of church property and the wrongs in- 
flicted upon the Belgians. Bitterness and resent- 
ment towards the invaders is very strong among 
the clergy and the upper classes in Belgium, these 
patriots loving their country and believing that it 
will come back to them some time. The concensus 
of Belgian opinion is that the country will be re- 
stored eventually and that they will enjoy their 
independence once more. 

" The Germans, as conquerors, might display far 
more of severity. An example of leniency was 
their treatment of some three hundred English- 
women, of all classes of society, who were stranded 
in and about Brussels. I spent several evenings 
with a Mrs. Scott, a wealthy woman who was of 
the number. An order went forth for their deporta- 
tion, their belongings were packed for shipment or 
disposed of at sale while some who owned real 
estate sold out their possessions. Then it was 
learned that very many of these women had no 



152 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

wish to be sent to England. All their friends, all 
their interests were in Belgium. More than a few, 
born of British parents in Belgium, spoke only 
French and had never seen England. So the 
deportation order was rescinded, property was re- 
claimed whenever possible, and matters went on 
as they had gone aforetime. 

" Many portraits were to be seen of the Belgian 
king, queen and princes. Belgian flags as well as 
American welcomed me everywhere and all these 
were allowed to be sold in the shops. No picture 
is more conspicuous in all Belgium than that of 
Minister Brand Whitlock, who commands not only 
the love of the Belgians but the respect of both 
Germans and Allies. This I found especially on 
my return through the lines of both. "When I re- 
turned Mr. Whitlock gave me a letter addressed 
to English custom house and other officials. Mr. 
Whitlock, representing His Britannic Majesty's in- 
terests in Belgium, requested all to give me special 
courtesies as an American citizen. With this letter 
I found how much respect he commanded from 
the Germans as well as British. Art galleries and 
museums, of which Brussels is justly proud, are all 
kept open and well ordered. In each of these that 
I visited were many Belgians as well as Germans, 
and the institutions are directed by native author- 
ities. 

" Hospitals, of course, are chiefly devoted to care 
of the wounded. The attendants are mainly 
Belgian, the appliances are modern and the arrange- 



Social Conditions 153 

ments complete and sanitary. Bandage supplies 
are practically exhausted. Wounded limbs are 
protected but fly-screens and the wounds them- 
selves are washed and padded with wood pulp, a 
method which has shown excellent results. 

" Yet the machinery of German control is per- 
fect. One million Belgians of military age must 
report each week. Thousands of French, Italian, 
English and other belligerents must report once a 
month. Two thousand women of ill repute must 
report to the Saint Gilles hospital. No one may 
travel without a pass containing photograph. Eo 
passes are issued to residents of enemy countries 
except by day, week or month. 

"Belgium is being Germanized. The names of 
towns on railways are now spelled in the German 
language. For instance, Liege is Luttish; Brux- 
elles is Brtissel, etc. All clocks exposed to public 
view must show German time. Little mail is per- 
mitted to enter Belgium from Holland or Switzer- 
land and none from elsewhere. A proper address, 
for example, would read : ' , Brtissel, Ger- 
many.' 

" There are in all Belgium only about three 
hundred Americans including seventy members of 
the C. K. B. and the United States legation. 

"The scarcity and irregularity of food was 
evidenced differently in the various towns. In 
Marchiennes-au-Pont there was a quantity of rice, 
beans and potatoes but it was very difficult to pro- 
cure lard or pork with which to prepare soup. In 



154 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

Lodelinsart no sugar was available. In Forchies- 
la-Marche there was no food but potatoes. In 
Bracquinnies we could get no sugar. Thus was it 
in every locality because of the Commission's 
difficulties in distribution. 

" The vegetable called in Belgium ' secum ' was 
served at almost every meal. This legume is pre- 
pared as a salad similar to young green onions and, 
when cooked, resembles in appearance asparagus, 
although the taste is not the same. Belgium, per- 
haps, is the only country to make use of ' secum.' 
No one commodity is more scarce than soap, fat 
being practically an unknown quantity. "While 
railroading a conversation was overheard by which 
it appeared that soap was so much needed back in 
rural Limburg that butter was used in its manu- 
facture. 

" When first I arrived in Belgium the bread was 
chiefly white. But it gradually became darker and 
darker in color because of the whole wheat flour. 
Potato peelings, I understand, are employed in 
making flour and, when people come for potatoes, 
they must bring along the peelings. If some of 
our well-to-do Americans had to exist on food 
improperly cooked for lack of correct ingredients 
to make it palatable or if they should find it im- 
possible to secure nourishment sufficient for them- 
selves and their children, they would be more 
ready to help in this crisis. Place yourselves in 
their position. How would you like it ? My heart 
aches for the poor and hungry of Belgium. Of 



Social Conditions 155 

the nine million inhabitants of Northern France 
and Belgium, fully two million never get enough 
to satisfy actual hunger. And were the American 
relief to be discontinued, rich as well as poor would 
suffer. Greatest credit is due to England, Canada, 
Spain and the South American governments for 
their assistance in supplying funds for the Belief 
Commission." 



XIII 
Sidelight Stories of Belgian Life 

SPEAKING- of the German army occupying 
Belgium which comprises, probably, one 
hundred thousand men, Major Winchell 
says: 

" The Belgian forces in the field total somewhere 
near a like number. Very many of these soldiers 
are married men removed by war from their own 
homes for indefinite periods and detailed to locali- 
ties unknown, leaving behind them wives who can- 
not know whither they have gone, who cannot 
know even whether they still live. 

" These Belgian women have been in want and, 
in a large share of cases, have not been slow to 
welcome the German invaders with the result that 
an alarming number of Teuton military men and 
supposed Belgian widows are living together as 
husbands and wives. 

" No one can forecast the outcome of these in- 
discriminate alliances nor foreshadow the innumer- 
able domestic embroilments that must become 
evident when thousands of Belgian Enoch Ardens 
return from service at the front to find their fire- 
sides violated, their wives passively submitting to 
this wholesale invasion of the sanctity of homes. 

156 



Sidelight Stories of Belgian Life 157 

"The reverse of the picture, no doubt, would 
disclose an equal number of German wives mourn- 
ing as dead the husbands now living with Belgian 
women. A state of affairs almost precisely similar 
is to be found in the other direction for, in Paris, 
the immense armies of incoming British soldiers are 
greeted hospitably by hosts of wives of French 
troopers who, serving in the trenches, may or may 
not return some day to their own hearthstones." 

From the immense collection of data, anecdotes 
and personal experiences gleaned by Major Win- 
chell on the borders of the war zone, it would be 
next to impossible to collate any few calculated to 
convey an adequate notion of the whole. But 
some of these, as told by the Major himself, may 
be interesting and informing : 

Stories are told of the barbed wire fences, 
charged with highest electrical voltage, maintained 
by the German army along the Dutch-Belgian 
frontier. This method is employed in place of an 
expensive sentry, preventing migration of spies and 
other undesirables. Many have been killed in- 
stantly by contact with these fences. Several 
Dutch soldiers touched the wires accidentally and 
died. 

The Holland papers told the story of a young 
German deserter who, with four others, started to 
pass the border at a point where there appeared to 
be no wire. But copper plates were hidden in the 
grass. His four companions were killed instantly 
while he escaped as by a miracle. He told, too, 



158 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

the story of his ten brothers who had served in the 
army, nine being killed in the trenches. 

"The money current in Belgium," says the 
Major, "is about one-half German and one-half 
Belgian. In the few weeks I was there, I noticed 
that German currency was gaining in circulation. 
No gold or silver whatever is changing hands and 
the small denominational coin is made of an 
aluminum composition. In many of the com- 
munes, the ' hotel de ville ' issues its own scrip. I 
brought away a quantity of this communal scrip. 

" When $5,000 is sent from America, it increases 
$150 upon reaching London and, when it gets to 
Brussels, the teller will hand you $6,000. Money 
is transmitted through Switzerland or Kotterdam. 
The cause of the increase is the prevailing rate of 
exchange, but prices of commodities are lower in 
Belgium than in any country I have visited. In 
Brussels I had made to order for twenty dollars a 
suit of clothes that would have cost me thirty-five 
or forty dollars in New York. 

" All through the rural districts of Belgium and 
Northern France I could have used to advantage," 
continues the traveller, " many times the amount 
of money entrusted to me for distribution, for every- 
where was want and destitution. But some far- 
seeing people were prepared in advance. Such was 
a family I visited several times in Bracquinnies. 
The host had figured that a famine impended 
as soon as hostilities got well under way and 



Sidelight Stories of Belgian Life 159 

Belgium became isolated from the rest of Chris- 
tendom. He had a large family to support and so 
he acquired as much as half an acre of land which, 
in the spring of the year, he planted to vege- 
tables. 

" At the same time he engaged the services of a 
pair of rabbits who multiplied with amazing ra- 
pidity. When I first visited his town, I found him 
supporting not only the human family but an enor- 
mous and constantly increasing menagerie of rab- 
bits so fabulously numerous that no sane man would 
have attempted to count them. Every time I 
looked in at his establishment, I was regaled with 
rabbit stewed, or rabbit fried, or rabbit pied, or 
rabbit any old way. 

" ' My good man,' I exclaimed, ' don't you get 
pretty tired of supporting this zoological garden ? ' 

" ' Far from it,' he replied. * At first we sup- 
ported them but now they are supporting us. Have 
some more rabbit stew ? ' 

" A party of us were exploring the frontier one 
day, not far from Quaregnon searching for land to 
be rented for the unemployed and we became 
hungry as a matter of course. We inquired at 
several cafes but there was nothing more sub- 
stantial than thin beer. At last, however, we came 
upon a place where coffee was to be had. But, 
they said, there was nothing whatever to eat. 
Glancing out at the window I beheld a chicken ! 

" 6 Will you not kill the chicken and cook it for 



160 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

me ? ' I asked. ' I am very hungry. I will pay 
well for it.' A small boy was listening. 

"'Oh, mamma,' he cried suddenly, 'tell the 
American man that the old hen has gone on the 
nest to lay an egg ! ' So we waited patiently until 
the cackling of the venerable hen proclaimed the 
glad tidings that the precious egg had been forth- 
coming. The little boy darted into the yard, 
snatched the prize from the nest and dashed back 
to us, crying triumphantly : 

" ' Oh, mamma, here it is ! Here is the egg ! ' 
In less than five minutes the transfer was made. 

" While at the home of Mr. Jules Hubenot in 
Marchiennes-au-Pont, I had a diverting adventure 
with that gentleman's pet goat, a very beautiful 
animal as such animals go, but she went on her 
hind legs. She would maintain this upright posi- 
tion for some time at a stretch and, whenever a 
likely target presented itself to view, would emu- 
late the military accomplishment of ramming. The 
goat took one look at my breastworks and imme- 
diately assumed the offensive. The surprise was 
complete. There was no time to resist the on- 
slaught. Something near the solar plexus nearly 
rendered me hors du combat. My genial host had 
enjoyed the skirmish from a point of vantage and 
wanted to photograph the proceedings just when 
the goat was connecting with the objective. 

" The cloth was being adjusted to focus the 
camera. The playful goat espied the bulb and 



Sidelight Stories of Belgian Life 161 

tube that worked the shutter. In the golden 
words of Shakespeare, 'The native hue of resolu- 
tion is sickened o'er by the pale cast of thought.' 
Gleefully the goat turned attention to the rubber 
attachments and down they went into the caprine 
stomach. Unable to secure a successful photo- 
graph in this manner, Mr. Hubenot drew a cartoon 
of the goat and myself in conflict and inscribed it, 
* Le Secret du Major.' 

"At the same place, while I was addressing a 
children's meeting one Sunday afternoon, word 
came that the Germans had posted notices stating 
that the people of the two towns were to be pun- 
ished. Some one had stolen nine thousand feet of 
copper telegraph wire. They were unable to find 
the culprit. Having evidence that he belonged in 
one of the towns, punishment was to be meted out 
by sounding the curfew at seven o'clock instead of 
ten. This was not particularly severe except pos- 
sibly upon the young people who liked the movies 
or the merry-go-round which had recently come to 
town. 

" Of course, the order affected our meetings so I 
told the children to inform their people that even- 
ing service would begin at five o'clock and would 
be dismissed before seven. The children's meeting 
concluded, I returned to the home of Mr. Hubenot, 
accompanied by his son who told about the order. 
My host's Belgian blood boiled in resentment. Un- 
able to speak English, he produced a writing pad 



162 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

and drew a cartoon showing a German helmet. 
Underneath was the face of a German soldier with 
opened mouth. A gun and bayonet he put in the 
Teuton's hands and, sticking on the bayonet point 
ready to be thrust into the cavernous mouth, was a 
little Belgian. 

" This was Hubenot's manner of conversation 
with me and I, knowing no French, replied in 
pantomime. I shook my head in disapprobation of 
the manifestation of unchristian spirit. I laid a 
hand over my heart and motioned that he should 
be forgiving even to his enemies. Eeaching a 
French Bible upon his desk, I opened at Komans 
xii. and indicated these words : 

" ' Kecompense to no man evil for evil. Avenge 
not yourselves but rather give place unto wrath, for 
it is written, Vengeance is mine. I will repay, 
saith the Lord. Therefore, if thine enemy hunger, 
feed him ; if he thirst, give him drink, for in so 
doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be 
not overcome of evil but overcome evil with good.' 

" After reading, he offered a prayer asking God's 
forgiveness. Then he crumpled the paper and 
threw it into the fire. At H\ r e o'clock we pro- 
ceeded to the hurriedly arranged meeting. Down 
the aisle of the crowded hall came two German 
soldiers in full regimentals. Sitting close to the 
front, they seemed to be deeply and reverently 
affected. At the conclusion of the service, I said 
to Mr. Hubenot : 

" ' Will you invite these two German brothers to 



Sidelight Stories of Belgian Life 163 

dinner?' This he did and both accepted. Of 
course, German soldiers might circulate in the 
streets at all hours ; Belgians and others must re- 
main indoors after seven. It was an interesting 
meal at the well-laden table of our host that even- 
ing. My interpreter not being present, I could 
converse only by mentioning names of cities. I 
would say, ' Berlin ? ' The two Germaas would 
shake their heads. They did not belong there. 
' Dresden ? ' They shook their heads again. 
' Munich ? ' Negation once more. Then I placed 
pencil and paper before them and they wrote, 
1 Solingen.' And they added, ' Heils Armee.' 

" So we learned that they were members of the 
Salvation Army in Germany. We had discovered 
comrades of the same faith. "Were they enemies or 
were they friends ? 

" One of the strangest unions of love seemed to 
possess all our hearts and, while tongues could not 
be understood, that bond made possible by the love 
of Jesus Christ lifted us above nationalities, strife 
and hatred. The blessing received by Mr. Hubenot, 
through obeying the Scriptural injunction, proved 
so beautiful that he wished it to continue after the 
meal. 

" Thus he seated the two guests at another table 
and placed two chairs opposite them. A chess- 
board he put before one and a checker-board be- 
tween the other and myself. For two hours — I say 
it with reverence — holy communion was observed 
in the game as we played in mute silence. 



164 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

" This sort of game I had considered a waste of 
time under ordinary circumstances, but that night I 
believe 1 was serving the highest principles of my 
faith. 

" At Marchiennes, too, I met Lieutenant Gillet, a 
Belgian lass who, in childhood, had worked in the 
mines but who had become a Salvation Army con- 
vert. She had been stationed in this city during 
the great battle. 

"The French had arrived in August, 1914, to 
check the advance of the Germans. Several com- 
panies had come in the early evening of a hot day, 
setting their machine guns at the corner of the street 
wherein the Army hall was located. Then they ate 
their meal, unrolled their blankets and slept upon 
the pavement for the night. The Germans had no 
knowledge of their presence. So, when the in- 
vaders marched in next morning and poured by 
thousands down that street, the French opened 
rapid, frightful fire with their machine guns. Hun- 
dreds were mowed down in front of the hall. A 
hand-to-hand grenade fight between a Frenchman 
and a German occurred in the entrance to the build- 
ing which is now torn where the missiles exploded. 
I saw for myself where the walls were broken and 
damaged. 

" Continuing, the lieutenant said : ' The firing 
was deafening. I shall never forget the groans of 
the dying. The poor German, killed in our door- 
way, was on his knees while dying. " God pity ! 



Sidelight Stories of Belgian Life 165 

God pity my poor soul ! Save me ! " This was his 
prayer and, a few minutes afterwards, he died. The 
French were driven back after a long, bitter 
struggle. 

" ' We remained in our hall during the fight but 
one of our comrades ran up, shouting, " The town 
is burning ! You will perish unless you come 
down ! " We descended the stair and what a sight ! 
Piles and piles of dead men in uniforms of different 
nations were lying all about. The Germans had 
possession. About seventy or eighty of us were 
put out in a crowd of civilians and marched through 
the streets for nearly a mile. 

" * We had to go with hands uplifted, stepping 
over dead bodies and wading through human blood. 
The smoke was hot and dense from the burning 
buildings. We were placed in a chateau and kept 
there all day without food. At night we were 
taken from the chateau and placed in a barn. The 
chateau was burned during the night. Our fears 
can be imagined. All the succeeding day we were 
held. Every now and then a soldier would rush up 
and, pushing the point of his bayonet within a few 
inches of my heart, would say, " Heils Armee 
first." Fancy the mental agony which carried 
thoughts of instant death. He meant only to tor- 
ment us. Later an officer came along and, learning 
what the fellow was doing, took him away. I have 
a notion that he was punished. We had been with- 
out food for more than thirty-two hours. This 
officer sent food and even gave us chocolate bars 



166 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

which were most welcome. At evening of the 
second day we were released and returned home. 
All that time the German troops were marching, 
day and night, advancing towards Paris.' 

"By way of another sort of experience, there 
was the real estate genius whom I encountered at 
Quaregnon. He possessed four acres of land that I 
wanted as a spot whereon the unemployed of the 
vicinage might raise potatoes, but his price for the 
little tract would have been considered altitudinous 
even in times of peace. I did not argue, nor did I 
make an offer — merely left him with the impression 
that I would seek another locality. 

" After a night in which he thought it over, he 
hunted me up and offered to sell for just half of his 
original price, far less than I had expected to pay. 
Indifference often drives a better bargain than 
does most ardent pleading. His excuse for com- 
ing down in terms was that, in the event of the 
Germans retreating, his ground might be torn up 
by battle. 

" The London War Cry tells the story of a Sal- 
vationist, member of a British regiment, who wrote 
thus of an occurrence at the front : 

" ' The battle was in progress and our trenches 
were being raked by the enemies' fire. We were 
expecting to be told at any moment that the Ger- 
man guns would have to be silenced and, presently, 
along the line came the order, " Charge ! " 



Sidelight Stories of Belgian Life 167 

" ' We scrambled into the open and rushed for- 
ward, met by a perfect hail of bullets. Many of our 
men bit the dust but we who remained came to 
grips with the enemy. I cannot write of what 
happened then. The killing of men is ghastly 
business. 

" ' On the way back to the trenches, I saw a poor 
German soldier trying to get to his water-bottle. 
He was in a fearful condition. I knelt by his side. 
Finding his own water-bottle was empty, I gave 
him water from mine. Somewhat revived, he 
opened his eyes and saw my Salvation Army League 
button. 

" * His face lighted up with a smile and he whis- 
pered in broken English : " Salvation Army ? I also 
am a Salvation Army soldier." Then he felt for 
his Army badge. It was still pinned to his coat, 
though bespattered with blood. 

"'I think we both shed a few tears. Then I 
picked up his poor, broken body and, with as much 
tenderness as possible — for the perfect hail of death 
was beginning again — I carried him to the ambu- 
lance. But he was beyond human aid. "When I 
placed him on the wagon, he gave a gentle tug at 
my coat. I bent low and listened as he whis- 
pered : 

" ' " Jesus, safe with Jesus ! " ' 

" War, with all its terrors, seemed not to dampen 
seriously the spirits of the children of the Belgian 
capital. In the streets of Brussels thousands of 



i68 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

youngsters were to be seen enjoying the games 
and frolics of childhood apparently with all the 
zest of more tranquil times. Into the midst of a 
childish revel I injected one day a reminder of the 
reign of Mars. 

" Coming from Saint Gilles, I ran upon a group 
of little ones rapturously viewing the antics of a 
few others who were skipping rope. In America 
it had long been my custom to salute such chil- 
dren's gatherings and I resolved to see how such 
a salutation would be received in this instance. 
Accordingly I dawned upon them suddenly, lifting 
my hand in dignified, military salute. 

"A mild wave of alarm spread instantly over 
the crowd and one boyish voice shouted, ' Les 
Allemands ! ? Hearing this, a number, with up- 
lifted hands, fled down the street, screaming and 
shrieking. The red band on my cap had reminded 
them of the German invaders. Those braver ones 
remaining behind began to cheer and some one 
shouted laughingly after the runaways, ' Armee de 
Salut ! ' Cautiously returning to verify this an- 
nouncement, I was soon surrounded by enthusiastic 
kiddies who insisted upon shaking hands all around 
in attestation of their love for the Salvation Army, 
the Soldiers of the Cross. 

" One Sunday, while conducting a meeting in 
Brussels, I was asked to give away a baby. An- 
nouncement had been made that the American 
Major would give away a child. The crowd thus 



Sidelight Stories of Belgian Life 169 

attracted were surprised to learn that the infant 
was to be given, not to a human guardian, but to 
the Lord. The mother was entrusted with the 
care of the child to train it in the ways of right- 
eousness that its life might be useful in the King- 
dom of God and for the salvation of the people in 
future years. 

" The service was so impressive that while I held 
the child aloft, about to offer it to this sacred pur- 
pose, another mother ran down the aisle, begging 
me to dedicate her baby as well. No sooner had I 
taken the second infant in my disengaged arm than 
a third and then a fourth mother presented their 
offspring. Before I knew it, the entire platform 
was thronged by mothers who besought me to 
dedicate their little ones in Salvation Army ritual. 
How many there were I do not know, but I gave 
them all into Whose care their lives were best 
protected. 

"Brussels' slum section, the vicinity of Kue 
Haute, is one of the toughest districts in all 
Europe, known as the Marolles, with a language of 
its own, famous for its winding blind alleys and 
its desperate habitues. It is characterized by the 
lowest type of concert halls, dance halls and caba- 
rets. German soldiers, except those on police duty, 
do not enter this neighborhood, probably to avoid 
disturbances, and they are well advised. 

" One night our little party sought out the larg- 
est of the halls. Throwing wide the door, I doffed 



170 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

my cap and shouted, ' Yive PAmerique ! Yive 
1'Armee de Salut ! ' Immediately my band began 
a lively Salvation song. Spotting a man who 
looked to be the proprietor of the place, I rushed 
to him and presented a card which read : 

Salutation du 

Major Wallace Winchell, 

Propri6taire du fameux " Cabaret de Salut," 

a Jersey City pres de New York, Etats-Unis 

de V Amerique. 

Eepresenting a cabaret which I had established a 
few winters before in America, where fellows might 
dance their way to heaven to the strains of an 
orchestra, I seized upon the important personage 
and gave him the grip of our particular free 
masonry. Then, leaving the boss pondering over 
the card, I shook hands with the bartenders, bar- 
maids and waiters as well as with the guests at the 
tables, leaving a card beside each foaming bowl of 
beer. 

" When I had done with my all around hand- 
shaking, my band of singers had completed their 
song and I spoke for about five minutes, explaining 
that I had come all the way from America to do 
relief work and to cheer the poor of Belgium. It 
was a pleasure for me to meet them there and to 
urge them to turn their minds and attention to 
God. Then I prayed for a brighter day in Bel- 
gium and the rest of Europe. 

" The innovation was greeted with applause, tho 



Sidelight Stories of Belgian Life 171 

people cheered and there were shouts of 'Yive 
l'Amerique ! ' and ' Yive l'Armee de Salut ! ' Some 
fifteen places in Brussels we visited that night, 
everywhere with the same result. 

"Believing that a little change from the con- 
tinuous, monotonous bowl of soup would be wel- 
comed by the Brussels children, we issued handbills 
which read : 

Grand Fete Americaine 

Dimanche, Fevrier 14eme, 1916, a 2 heures p. m. 
Donne par l'Armee de Salut, 

— a 88 Eue Haute, Bruxelles. 



Le Major Wallace "Winchell desire faire ses adieux, 
aux chers enfants du quartier de ces environs, 
avant de retourner & New York. II se fera 
le plaisir de presenter des souvenirs de bon 
bons, de fruits, de noix et de candy & tout le 
monde. 

Que Dieu vous b6nis et que la joie 
soit toujours a vous. 

Pri6re de presenter cette carte. 

Translated it was an invitation and ticket of ad- 
mission to a special distribution of one thousand 
bags filled with figs, apples, gingersnaps and 
chocolates to be given before my return to 
America. At the appointed hour, what a mob 



172 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

of young ones! It required a force of police to 
keep them in line but every one received a bag of 
goodies such as many had not tasted for ever so 
long. While the children were passing, a Salva- 
tion Army band of young people sang and played 
musical instruments. I stationed myself just where 
the company was dispersing for the street. Each 
one clasped me by the hand and kissed it and, with 
tears of gratitude, thanked me again and again. 

" Whenever I saw a mother with an infant in 
her arms, I would hand her a German mark, the 
money which I had in my possession. When I 
went upon the street, I found that many women who 
had not been at the Fete had heard the good news 
and had brought their infants with them while 
others, not mothers, had gone to remote parts of 
the town to borrow babies with which to meet 
the good angel from America with the German 
marks. 

" The night that our little band of Salvationists 
were bombarding the cabarets in Brussels, I met 
with a strange incident. A young man about 
twenty-two years of age, who was a Belgian, took 
one glance at me and, seeing the red band on my 
cap, thought that I was a German soldier, as the 
red band upon the cap is the regulation of the Ger- 
man military as well, except that they have no 
print upon the band. 

" This youth flew into a rage and started to do 
me violence, using language which I could not 



Sidelight Stories of Belgian Life 173 

understand, but I believe that he was swearing in 
French. At that moment the Salvation Army 
sisters came into view and began a song in his 
native tongue. As they sang of the sweet story 
of Jesus and His love, the young man took in the 
situation and his heart melted. He was converted 
then and there. He promised that he would for- 
sake his life of sin and follow in the footsteps of 
the Master. 

" He told me his story. He had fought in de- 
fense of his country and, in one of the forts near 
Liege, had been seriously wounded, having received 
in his head a couple of bullets which could not be 
removed. He was taken prisoner and had beep 
serving in one of the camps for prisoners but had 
been released recently in order to come to the city 
hospital in Brussels. He told me that he did not 
expect to live very long. He begged that I would 
visit him at the hospital and pray with him before 
his soul should pass away. A few days later, Staff- 
Captain Blanchard and I made our way to the 
hospital and had a very beautiful visit with him. 
I met also the mother of this boy who had come to 
see him at the same time. It was indeed a touch- 
ing scene as we all met under such strange condi- 
tions. We offered prayer that God's blessing might 
be with him in life or in death, in time and in 
eternity. 

" Ensign Mietes and Lieutenant Mannaerts had 
charge of our Flemish corps in Antwerp. The 



174 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

lieutenant had a bicycle. The day before the 
German advance on Antwerp she had taken a spin 
over to Ghent and to Ostend to look after Salva- 
tion Army comrades and minister to their spiritual 
needs. On her return she found the fire so deadly 
in and about Antwerp that she could not enter the 
city. After the capture it was impossible to gain 
entrance as the city was guarded by sentinels. So, 
being without funds, she secured employment as a 
servant and worked for three months before she 
was able to make her way into the city. Hearing 
that nearly every one had fled from Antwerp, she 
had no idea what might have befallen her ranking 
officer, Ensign Mietes, or her comrades, the soldiers 
of the corps. 

" In the meantime, brave little Ensign Mietes 
had been very busy during the bombardment. She 
did not flee from the city as did the others but 
went from home to home, among the people under 
her care, helping them to pack, comforting them 
and praying with them as they took their depar- 
tures, one after another. 

"At last she came to an old lady, a dear old 
Christian soul, more than eighty-five years of age. 
This venerable one was too feeble to travel. So, 
in cheering helpless age, youth murmured: 
f Grandma, if we must die, we will die together, 
you and I, and God will care for us.' 

" None of the fire that was showered upon the 
city reached them. After the occupation of the 
Germans, thousands of people returned and the 



Sidelight Stories of Belgian Life 1 75 

ensign resumed her accustomed work. She had 
plenty to do in trying to get the people to live 
under the new conditions. All the time, she won- 
dered what had become of her lieutenant. One 
day, about twelve weeks after she had cycled 
away, the lieutenant succeeded in securing a pass 
through the lines into Antwerp once more, report- 
ing immediately to the quarters where her dear 
ensign resided. It was indeed a happy reunion. 

"Every one would imagine naturally that, in 
times of such privation and hunger, all good per- 
sons would welcome almost any form of relief 
that would serve to keep body and soul together. 
It was not a large amount that was left with En- 
sign Mietes in Antwerp but she gave it out to those 
that she thought were most in need. A clergy- 
man, who lived in the neighborhood, heard that 
she had given some supplies to one of his flock who 
had applied for aid. A great fuss was made by 
the rector over the matter, the poor woman being 
warned to receive nothing more from the Salvation 
Army. And he said some very bitter things, not 
only to the poor woman, but in emphatic denuncia- 
tions from his pulpit as well. 

" Hearing of this affair Ensign Mietes secured a 
bouquet of roses and, with a comrade brother in 
full uniform, went to the door of the rectory. The 
porter who opened the door, seeing the flowers, 
thought the couple had come to be married and 
bade them enter the reception room, saying that 



176 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

the rector would see them in a few moments and 
attend to the wedding. 

" They waited until finally the reverend gentle- 
man appeared. He looked in astonishment upon 
the lady of whom he had spoken ill to his people. 
Staring at her in silence for a while, he burst out, 
' What does this mean ? Why should you come in 
here and bring flowers ? ' 

" ' There is a Major of the Salvation Army from 
America, now in Belgium on relief work,' replied 
the Ensign calmly. < It was from him that we re- 
ceived money to help that poor woman. He con- 
ducted a great meeting when he visited our hall. 
He taught us to love our enemies and to do good 
to those that despitefully use us. You have been 
saying harsh things against me which are unwar- 
ranted. I, like yourself, am a servant of Jesus 
Christ. I believe you want to do what you can to 
please the Master and to this purpose my life also 
is dedicated. You should be glad to know that I 
am here to help you in furthering the interests of 
Christ's kingdom, in feeding the hungry and cheer- 
ing the people in these sad days. You should do 
all in your power to encourage me and I want to 
do the same for you. 

" ' The Major told a story in his meeting, how he 
had settled many bitter feuds over in America by 
the agency of flowers. I have prayed about this 
matter, so, in His name, I bring you these roses.' 
After a little more conversation the roses were left 
with the clergyman. 



Sidelight Stories of Belgian Life 1 77 

" At four o'clock one morning in August, 1914, 
a train filled with refugees came in at Amsterdam, 
as they tell in that city. Crushed among the other 
passengers was a little Flemish boy. Espied by a 
brigadier of the Salvation Army, he was lifted 
out. Close in his arms he carried a wee bundle 
wrapped carefully in a piece of cloth. Asking for 
some milk, the lad began to unwind the cloth. 
Greatly to the surprise of all about, he disclosed a 
tiny bit of live, hungry humanity. Sympathetic 
arms were stretched out for the pitiful object, but 
the little fellow was loath to relinquish it, even 
though very drowsy himself. To the questions 
asked, his replies were sleepy and vague. Here 
and there the interested people caught a word or 
two which gave clues to his probable identity. 

"' Mother . . . dead . . . Antwerp . . . 
take care of baby . . . tired . . . ' and the 
poor, weary little hero was fast asleep. Authorities 
investigated and his story was soon known. On 
that terrible night when Zeppelins were hurling 
bombs at the unprotected city of Antwerp, when 
cannon were belching their deadly fire, a woman 
lay dying in her home. The doctor's words had 
driven all hope from her. She was alone save for 
her nine-year-old son, Fritzie, and her four-day-old 
baby. An eldest son, a lad of but eighteen, was 
fighting in the defenses outside the city. Little 
did he realize the impending loss of mother love. 
And the mother ! Can our minds comprehend her 
agony ? Never again would she see his dear face. 



178 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

She beckoned Fritzie to her side, his eyes wide with 
fear. 

" ' Son,' she whispered, ' take the baby and fly ! 
Keep close to the buildings — you will be safer 
there from shot and shell. Do all you can to save 
your baby brother's life. Kiss me, Fritzie, for the 
last time ! ' 

" Straining the little boy to her, she kissed him 
tenderly. Then she kissed the baby and placed it 
gently, snugly in Fritzie's arms, her tears falling 
silently. ' God bless and protect you both ! ' she 
cried brokenly. ' Go, my son, go quickly ! ' 

"The little lad's eyes were quite grave as he 
stepped from mother's presence. The sound of her 
sobbing rang in his ears as he walked quickly and 
quietly, determined to carry out his mission. The 
thought came often to return to mother. It was 
so hard to leave her there to die alone. But no, 
he must go on ; he must get his precious bundle out 
of the city which was burning already. Holding 
the tender burden close to his throbbing breast, he 
crept along, hugging walls of buildings, crouching 
in dark corners to avoid the questions of soldiers or 
civilians, and running quickly across open spaces to 
rest again with fast beating heart in the friendly 
shadows. Not once did the darling bundle leave 
his arms. Not even did he relinquish it when he 
finally reached a railway station and was put on 
the train filled with refugees like himself. 

" How the baby lived through all this is a miracle 
of God. Perhaps it was the boy's steadfast determi' 



Com m u tie de :..Urf*,<4LdL<£%* 



AmC 



'^^a^cd^ 



j^V^AVITAILLEMENT 



Ration supplementaifre de pain allouee a rouvmer 
mineur du fond. 



iM^^^^^W^ 




j^.J&.Jg*.'j. est oecupe aetaeliemifet a son service conime 
ouvfief mine.uf dii fond, 






WS- 



[Signature] 



[ ETIEUBailESEIHfS 




FORM OF RELIEF CARD USED IN BELGIUM. ON THE BACK 
OF THIS CARD IS CHECKED THE AMOUNT OF PROVISIONS. 



Sidelight Stories of Belgian Life 179 

nation. Perhaps it was his splendid courage. "Who 
knows ? There is but One who is judge of that." 

Major "Winchell, who had encountered so much 
trouble in gaining entrance to Belgium, anticipated 
another array of obstacles to surmount when his 
mission had been accomplished and he was ready 
to return to lands of neutrality. Thus he relates 
the experiences relative to his departure : 

" Looking ahead for troubles, I had made appli- 
cation on February 1st, at Pass Zentrale, head- 
quarters for all passes granted in Belgium, hoping 
to start back for America about February 20th 
when, my second Belgian trip completed, I would 
have organized my relief work thoroughly, seen to 
the distribution of clothing ordered on my first trip 
and arranged for continuance of the work after 
my departure. 

" For three weeks, however, the border had been 
closed absolutely against any one going out. There 
were hundreds of Dutch in Belgium as well as 
people of other nationalities. But, because of im- 
portant movements of troops and preparations for 
a grand offensive at Yerdun, the German military 
commanders deemed it wise to let no one out who 
could give information in any way. This decision 
worked much inconvenience to the Dutch whose 
homes and business were just over the border but 
here were they, held indefinitely, possibly until the 
end of the war. I was informed that my pass 
would not be granted. 



180 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

"Staff-Captain Blanchard and I visited again 
and again at Pass Zentrale, but it was of no avail. 
After we had gone, each succeeding day, for a 
week, I confessed that I was becoming a trifle im- 
patient. The little lieutenant at the desk would 
shrug his shoulders and say in French, * Tres 
mauvais ! Yous ne powvez pas avoir un passe- 
port.' 

" It was worse than being in prison to be held in 
this Belgium. Had I been interned in a prison in 
Germany, I would have been privileged to write 
letters to loved ones in America at least once in two 
weeks and could have received mail from them at 
any time. But all communication with America 
had been prohibited absolutely for one year. My 
wife had been sending me open letters or postal 
cards almost daily. Not one of them reached me 
and I am receiving them this first week in June, 
after I have been at home six weeks. Some of 
them have been in France, some in Germany, but 
more in England or Holland. 

" Whether my loved ones were sick, dead or alive, 
I did not know and it was a gloomy prospect to be 
held in such suspense until the end of the war and 
that end not in sight. On March 3d I had be- 
come quite desperate and the Staff-Captain and I, 
together with an attache from the American lega- 
tion and a representative of the Politische Abteilung, 
were kept on the run all day, striving to get matters 
adjusted between the military and the civil authori- 
ties. The latter had given consent already. 



Sidelight Stories of Belgian Life 181 

" Night came and there was no pass. The man 
from the American legation said, as we went home, 
* I will make one more try in the morning and will 
let you know by ten o'clock.' 

"That next morning will remain ever in my 
memory. To go or not to go. I confess that there 
was a strong feeling of homesickness. Alone in my 
room, my mind travelled across the wide ocean. I 
thought of my brave little wife, toiling to keep 
going my work in Jersey City ; of all the men who 
had been converted from the wreckage of sin ; of 
my children. I thought of the glorious land of the 
Stars and Stripes. 

"At first I was down-hearted but, at last, I 
opened my mouth and sang : 

" 'My Country, 'tis of thee, 
Sweet land of Liberty.' 

" Again and again I sang it and then I started 
on 'The Star Spangled Banner.' And, when I 
was about half-way through, a messenger came from 
the American legation with the tidings that my 
passage had been granted. 

" That night I was in Kotterdam once more. My 
cablegram to my wife brought a reply at once and 
I was happy." 



XIY 

What Europe Thinks of America 

When men shall trust in God and not in fate, 
When love shall rise from out the grave of hate, 
When charity shall take the place of greed, 
When every man his neighbor's rights shall heed, 
When naught but honest labor wins the prize, 
When vice no more is clothed in virtue's guise, 
When justice is obtained without deceit, 
When every race shall like as brothers meet, 
When " Covet Not" becomes the law of man, 
When pity lifts up those beneath the ban, 
Then war and conflict shall forever cease, 
And once again resound the psalm of peace. 

— Antoinette Luques. 

TO the sojourner in Europe, in these bewil- 
dering days, one of the most interesting 
studies must be that of the attitude of the 
people of the various countries towards America and 
the administration of President Wilson. 

In Holland for seven weeks, Major Winchell had 
ample time to read or to have translated the papers 
from Germany, Holland, France and England. 
Their eagerness in banking on every word uttered 
by the President was at once evident. Of course, 
he might have said many things to throw either 

182 



What Europe Thinks of America 183 

warring element into an ugly mood but they were 
very happy when he did anything for the further- 
ance of neutrality. 

No American in history, it appeared to the Major, 
has loomed so great as has "Wilson. Assuredly the 
wise and courageous stand taken by him at all the 
breaking points affecting international relations, yet 
keeping us out of the war, establishes the name of 
Woodrow Wilson as that of the greatest of all 
Americans. Were he honorably and successfully 
to bring America through his term without em- 
broilment in Europe, as he has done thus far, and 
not be reelected, he will be to posterity ten thou- 
sand times a greater figure, in the Major's judg- 
ment, than if, at the behest of popular clamor, he 
should have plunged the country into war and been 
reelected. What other president has been brought 
so closely in contact with all the nations, both 
belligerent and neutral ? 

While Winchell was in London, the papers all 
over England printed the story of how the Presi- 
dent, during one of the very trying ordeals when 
the destiny of America hung in the balance, called 
together his cabinet and said : " Gentlemen, I do 
not know how many of you find time to pray but 
I feel that it is proper to-day to ask for divine guid- 
ance." He knelt and each member followed while 
the President offered prayer. This incident was 
enlarged upon in almost every Sunday sermon in 
the churches and was the theme of conversation 
everywhere. 



184 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

It is fitting to relate a story of the President's 
note to England in November, 1915, regarding the 
rights of our shipping on the seas, which was im- 
pressed upon the Major by a somewhat unpleasant 
episode. He had arranged to visit a certain hospital 
upon the very day when this note was printed in 
the papers. The press, as a matter of course, gave 
a grunt of disdain. 

The superintendent of the institution told the 
visitor how greatly he regretted this act of our 
President, as he deemed Mr. Wilson a friend to the 
Allies. Major Winchell replied that the President 
was not chosen by the American people to repre- 
sent either one side or the other ; he was chosen to 
represent America. After this exchange of words, 
the Major asked to see the institution. He was 
gently led to the door and shown the moving 
traffic of a busy London street. 

The American was in Germany when the at- 
taches, von Papen and Boy-Ed, were given their 
transports to return to that country. The press 
there was very severe in criticism of this act of the 
President. Conversing with prominent German 
business men, the Major tried to explain why the 
President had been compelled to take such a step. 
They replied: "We do not know all the facts 
which we fear are withheld by the censor. Presi- 
dent Wilson is truly a brave man and a wise and 
well-beloved executive." 

In Holland, the traveller used to stand before 
the newspaper bulletins trying to decipher the 



What Europe Thinks of America 185 

Dutch and, in this way, met all sorts of men. 
Those who could translate, he would ask for their 
opinions of America and its President and they 
would answer : " If only President Wilson can 
keep America out of this war it means our peace, 
and possibly Holland's national existence depends 
upon it as well." 

Throughout the length and breadth of this ap- 
palling crisis which has overwhelmed all Europe 
and threatened repeatedly to disturb the serenity 
of the rest of the world, pagan and Christian alike, 
our President has stood consistently not so much 
for peace at any price but for righteousness at all 
hazards. His brave interpretation of international 
law has been a model for mankind and his demon- 
strations of its intricacies in undertaking to enforce 
the observance of such law have stamped him pre- 
eminently as the man of the hour. 

From its ramified beginnings, the great war has 
been prolonged indefinitely by the self-assertive- 
ness of militarism, the unwillingness of certain 
powers to bow before the prospect of such absolute 
autocracy. In the end The Hague tribunal must 
be strengthened appreciably in the formation of a 
new federation of nations, a coalition that shall 
fittingly represent the small as well as the great 
governments and that shall accomplish effective 
legislation backed by executive action, purposeful, 
powerful and in no measure uncertain. 

Major Winchell on several occasions heard, while 
in Europe, this expression : " Which is the strongest 



186 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

— the German army, the British navy or the Amer- 
ican dollar ? " Let leaders like President Wilson, 
former President Taf t and others who stand for the 
highest ideals, point the way to the effectiveness of 
the moral issue and prove which is " the more ex- 
cellent way." 

If the example of the United States of America 
in dealing with the world problem is no more than 
a financial showing we are doomed ; our influence 
becomes nil. Europe, glutted with gore and sated 
with sorrow, must scorn a peace that money could 
buy. But if, at the end of the war and during the 
epoch of reconstruction, this country can reveal a 
moral character, strong, buoyant and free from self- 
ish advantage or hypocritical motives, then the 
Stars and Stripes will wave higher than ever be- 
fore, to be respected by all peoples, great and 
small. 

Frequently one hears in this country the ques- 
tion : " Why should we not offer our navy to this 
Hague tribunal that it may effectively police the 
world, insuring observance of international law 
and order ? " Then, pursuing this idea, why not 
consecrate the immense sums set aside for pre- 
paredness to the purchase of all the imposing ma- 
chinery of war in devastated Europe, beating it up 
into plowshares ? Thus only will bankrupt Europe 
be able to meet its enormous war indemnities and 
to restore normal business and social conditions. 
Our country's opportunity is at hand to prove itself 
the mightiest benefactor among civilized peoples 



What Europe Thinks of America 187 

and to set up forever a standard for the emulation 
and admiration of every living human being. 
Woodrow Wilson will be found ready and able 
to sponsor these epochal achievements, to leave to 
posterity a gift and a blessing of unexampled 
worth. 

That the representative press of both warring 
factions is f ally alive to these conditions and to the 
prodigious strength of our President as a leader of 
men is adequately attested by quotations from re- 
cent issues of most prominent journals on either 
side of the great strife. 

"President Wilson," says the London Daily 
JVews, " without moving a soldier or a ship, can 
affect most potently both the duration of the war 
and the conditions of peace. He takes high ground 
worthy of a great nation whose moral and material 
forces are behind his demands." 

" The very patience America has displayed," ob- 
serves the London Daily Graphic, " makes Presi- 
dent Wilson's impeachment of present conditions 
all the more powerful. It will be a relief to the 
world that the greatest neutral nation has taken a 
firm stand upon international law." 

From France we glean these words of Ze Matin, 
Paris : " When the responsible and almost sovereign 
head of a hundred million free citizens mounts the 
rostrum in Congress to declare, ' We are the spokes- 
men of the rights of humanity and we will not 
tolerate injustice,' he has performed an act of im- 
mense moral importance. It is a historical event, 



188 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

deserving of our admiration as one of the noblest 
acts in the memory of mankind." 

For the other side, the Berlin Vorwarts, organ 
of the German majority, speaks thus : " As surely 
as the American people wish to avoid an extreme 
step against Germany, as the Berliner Tagehlatt so 
strikingly said, just so certain it is that the German 
people in overwhelming majority want no war 
with America. All sane statesmen, conscious of 
their great responsibility, both in Germany and 
America, should rest assured that they have the 
great masses of the people behind them in resorting 
to every measure calculated to prevent a break." 

Professor Hans Delbrtich, the eminent German 
publicist, writes in the Preussische Jahrbucher: 
" Very much depends upon America as to whether 
the war will end comparatively soon or only after 
a long time. There is always the danger of con- 
flict with America which, without declaring war 
on us, holds a very valuable pawn in the great 
German mercantile fleet now lying idle in Ameri- 
can harbors. The decision that our government 
has to make is, without doubt, a serious one. If 
it can induce the neutrals, headed by America, to 
tolerate no longer the illicit English blockade, that 
would denote the end of the war. But will 
America go so far ? If we try to crush England 
by ruthless submarine war, to what degree of 
hostility against us will America then be moved ? 
No matter what we do, we invariably encounter 
this external influence whose determination and 



What Europe Thinks of America 189 

strength are not calculable. We wish to live in 
peace with America and avoid a rupture. Who 
wantonly, by thoughtless action, brings about a 
rupture, sins against the Fatherland." 

Keverting again to the other view-point, we find 
in the London Daily Chronicle these thoughts of a 
dignitary no less important than Yiscount Bryce : 
" I doubt whether we in England have yet fully 
realized either the magnitude of the service which 
the United States government and its representatives 
abroad have rendered in protection of British sub- 
jects in the belligerent countries or the noble spirit 
that has animated them in that service. Their 
embassies and legations have become enormous 
business offices, manned mainly by voluntary 
workers. The looking after our prisoners of war 
in Germany alone has become a gigantic task. 
One thing more deserves to be noted : It is the 
wonderful zeal that has been shown in relieving 
distress and suffering in Belgium. The liberality 
shown by the people of the United States is indeed 
beyond all praise." 

Alfred G. Gardiner, editor of the London Daily 
JVews, cabled to America as follows : " The United 
States is the greatest potentiality on earth, and we 
are too rich in experience to-day to ignore a 
potentiality because it has not been realized. We 
have seen our own nation, a nation as peaceful in 
its purposes as the United States, turn itself into a 
nation of armed men in a few months. And what 
England has done, America can do. 



190 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

" Do not let us forget that she fought the most 
stubborn war in history and the most noble war — 
noble alike in its motives and in the grave, regretful 
spirit in which it was waged. America comes into 
the world's system to secure herself against war 
and the effects of war. That security cannot be 
had by one nation alone, however well armed, nor 
can it be had by the skillful balancing of one group 
of nations against another group. It can be had 
only by the common force as its guarantee. That 
force must depend, not on nations, but on mankind. 
We cannot get rid of force. 

" What we can do, and what President Wilson 
will use the power of the United States to accom- 
plish, is to change the purpose for which that force 
is used. It has been the instrument of war between 
nations. He will make it the instrument of peace 
to defend the community of nations. The sword 
America forges will be used, not to make war, but 
to make war on war and to lay the foundation of 
world security. 

"What does this mean to Europe? It means 
that Europe is offered a way out of the pit — that 
the new world comes in at last to redress the 
balance of the world." 



XV 

Waterloo. — Shall America Lead the 
Nations ? 

WATERLOO. American tourists have 
ever found this, the field of the world's 
greatest battle, to be an objective point. 
Of how much greater interest is Waterloo to-day ! 
If not upon its rolling surface the actual fighting 
is going on, it has played nevertheless a con- 
spicuous part in the history of the present world 
war. 

The invading and retreating armies have crossed 
and recrossed here where the Little Corporal made 
his last stand one hundred years ago. 

To this field the Yankee Major had planned a 
visit. The museums and monuments are still open 
for visitors although the tourists are few and far 
between. For Major Winchell this was to be a 
day not only of sightseeing but one remarkable for 
meditation and inspiration, pondering upon the 
past, the present and the future. 

On the first day of February, Staff-Captain 
Blanchard and the Major took the tram to Water- 
loo. The historic battle-field is located about four- 
teen miles south of Brussels. Byron wrote : 

191 



192 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

There was a sound of revelry by night 
And Belgium's capital had gathered there 
Her beauty and her chivalry, and bright 
The lamps shone o'er fair women and brave men ; 
A thousand hearts beat happily ; and when 
Music arose with its voluptuous swell, 
Soft eyes looked love to eyes that spoke again 
And all went merry as a marriage bell, 
But hush ! Hark ! A deep sound strikes like a 
rising knell. 



Ah ! then and there was a hurrying to and fro, 
And gathering tears and tremblings of distress, 
And cheeks all pale which but an hour ago 
Blushed at the praise of their own loveliness. 
And there were sudden partings, such as press 
The life from out young hearts, and choking sighs 
Which ne'er might be repeated ; who would guess 
If ever more might meet these mutual eyes, 
Since upon that night so sweet such awful morn 
should come. 

Last noon beheld them full of lusty life, 

Last eve in Beauty's circle proudly gay, 

The midnight brought the signal sound of strife, 

The morn the marshalling to arms ; the day, 

Battle's magnificently stern array ! 

The thunder-clouds close o'er it, which when 

rent 
The earth is covered thick with other clay and 

pent, 
Eider and horse, friend, foe, in one red burial 

blent. 



Shall America Lead the Nations *? 193 

The Major here tells of his meditations on that 
memorable day: "We passed through some of 
those quaint old Belgian towns and I pictured in 
my mind the mobilization of troops on that event- 
ful June day in 1815. We could see them sweep- 
ing along the very same roads. The Staff-Captain 
pointed out this spot or that spot of historic interest. 
One place especially interested me. It was the 
house in which Victor Hugo wrote his immortal 
* Les Miserables.' I pondered upon the conditions 
to-day. Yes, there is still the same — the poor, the 
unhappy, the outcast of the type of Jean Valjean, 
living to-day. Will Society ever be organized so 
that Man, the supreme handiwork of God, may be 
redeemed from his broken condition ? Can he 
never rise higher than the dollar or the machine 
gun ? Has our boasted civilization failed ? 

" Not many miles in every direction from where 
we were riding are the greatest centres of learning. 
Millions upon millions have been spent to equip the 
minds of the young men of all countries with higher 
education. Why should a barbarous war be carried 
on in the light of the nineteenth and twentieth 
centuries ? These were the questions I asked my- 
self ; questions that thousands ask. Is there no way 
by which such wholesale destruction of life and 
property can be overcome ? Cannot the genius of 
our civilization discover that panacea whereby man 
may redeem his race from deliberate, organized 
machine murder and self-destruction ? 

" My answer is ' Yes,' when the right foundation 



194 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

is laid, when the ground is prepared for a better 
crop, when the right seed is selected and sown. 
There is no harvest without seed time. We see 
now there must have been the wrong seed sowing 
to the wind and the reaping of the whirlwind. 

" What were the contributing causes that led to 
the war ? My answer is, more than kings, kaisers, 
czars, or Militarism. In this day of enlightenment, 
in this age of the power of franchise, Imperialism 
and Militarism exist only by the consent of all the 
people. What, then, is the cause of war ? Who 
starts war ? It is the same Author of Error who 
initiated trouble in the Garden of Eden. What the 
Devil did in deceiving our first ancestors, he is do- 
ing to-day in deceiving the nations. What were 
the seeds of original sin ? Let us begin with * In- 
gratitude.' Our first parents were unthankful. 
How little thought is given to the real worship of 
God to-day ! The cities of Europe and America ap- 
parently want the thought of divinity closed out 
of mind in their pursuit of pleasure and the acquisi- 
tion of wealth. Cafe and cabaret life has supplanted 
the worship of God. The tango is preferred to the 
prayer. The religious sentiment of the pure and 
aggressive is at low ebb especially in city life. The 
public mind is for evil. 

"The second, Lust. Our first parents wanted 
what did not belong to them. If anything started 
the European conflagration, it was the greed for 
what others had. One nation said, ' We want to be 
supreme on land and sea,' and the others disputed 



Shall America Lead the Nations ? 195 

the claim. All the common people drank to the 
health of their army and navy. The lust of power 
ever supplants the love for God and kindness to 
man. 

" The third, Idolatry. Our first parents listened 
to the serpent's whisper, * Ye shall become as gods.' 
The nations of the earth have established another 
form of idolatry to-day, Militarism and Navalism. 
They idolize the very things that will bring about 
their destruction. 

" The fourth, Pride, Our first parents vaunted 
themselves above the teachings of their Maker and 
the One who loved them. Our educational systems 
must be so adjusted that Man may think less of his 
own attainments and of his own greatness. He 
must learn of that Divine love which seeks the good 
of his neighbor. * The Son of Man came to seek that 
which was lost.' This means the path of humility. 

" To use our public schools for military training, 
preparedness ? ' Yes ! ' There is something about 
physical training, discipline and uniform that de- 
velops manhood. But let the training have as its 
objective the moral as well as the physical well- 
being of the race. Let righteousness be the glory 
of the coming armies of the world. Let them 
march to the sweetest music ever played. Let con- 
quests be made that will convert society into its 
highest ideal — where greed, impurity, and unkind- 
ness will no longer exist, where poverty, ignorance 
and disease will be overcome. Such an army of pre- 
paredness inspired to deeds of goodness would trans- 



196 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

form the horrors of slumdom in the cities to places 
of beauty and make the deserts and jungles glorious 
by reason of their invasions. This fight will be in 
years to come more fascinating, by far, to the 
youth than at present the smoke, powder, wounds 
and the slain of machine murder warfare. The old 
order will pass by on the approach of the coming 
dawn. The march of real righteousness is coming. 
Have you enlisted ? 

" Some may think religion is to love God only. 
Others may think that it is merely to help their 
fellows. The great masses have failed to find that 
true religion is ' to love the Lord thy God with all 
thy heart and thy neighbor as thyself.' To ignore 
this is the beginning of war. 

" ' All out for Waterloo ! ' Now we have 
reached the famous battle-field. We see a great 
stretch of country lined only by the horizon. In 
times of peace, the little street of hotels, restau- 
rants and souvenir shops did a thriving business. 
The visitors at the present day are mostly German 
soldiers and civilians, making their way to the 
scene of the great battle. The objective point is 
the panorama at the base of the Mound of Water- 
loo. This mound was erected from the soil of the 
very earth where the French army was plunged to 
destruction and defeat. It stands about one hun- 
dred and fifty feet high and is in the form of a 
pyramid, surmounted by the majestic i Lion of 
Waterloo' in brass, proud and ugly, overlooking 
the field in the direction of ' the Eagle of Europe 



Shall America Lead the Nations % 197 

with the Broken Pinion,' a monument about a mile 
distant to the northeast. These, and many other 
landmarks, commemorate the great fight of one 
hundred years ago." 

Continuing the Major tells his story : " We spent 
an hour viewing the panorama, surrounded on the 
small platform by the German officers and soldiers, 
each with the illustrated descriptive books. We 
saw the wonderful paintings of the world's great 
battle. There in the northeast sat Napoleon on 
his white horse directing his troop to what, he 
thought, would be victory. At the south and west 
came the red-jacketed British under Wellington. 
From the east came the Dutch, and the Prussians 
under Blucher. What a terrific struggle for a 
space of hours ! i The Scourge of Europe is being 
overwhelmed!' Everything was so realistic that 
one felt in the very vortex of the human whirlpool 
of death and destruction— horses, men, guns, trees, 
mud, all in one frightful mass. 

" Leaving the panorama, we climbed up the steep 
stairway to the top of the mound. It was an ex- 
hausting effort to a man like myself of 230 pounds, 
but it was an experience I shall never forget. It 
was my day of reverie and meditation. 

" As I beheld the great stretch of country from 
this height I pictured again the terrible struggle of 
one hundred years ago. I could see the armies 
hemming in on every side. Then I saw the world's 
greatest military genius, with all his hopes, go 
down to the disappointment of defeat. I saw the 



198 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

sad figure with folded arms in far-away St. Helena 
meditating upon what might have been. 

" If only that mighty brain, that magnetic per- 
sonality, that master organizer had received the 
mind of a "William Booth and devoted his energies 
for the saving of man, what would Europe be to- 
day ? 

" During these meditations I could feel the very 
mound trembling and could hear the firing in a 
greater battle than that of Waterloo. Constantly, 
continually the booming of artillery on the great 
western front of the present war could be heard. 
It was like the low mutterings of thunder with in- 
termittent crashes as the heavy guns would belch 
forth. Then to think that this horror is going on 
day and night, week after week, as men are being 
slaughtered. 

" While our eyes swept over the stretch of the 
field, Staff-Captain Blanchard remarked to me: 
' Major, think of the irony of fate. One hundred 
years ago the English and Germans were slaying 
the French. Now, the reverse — the French and 
English against the Germans. In a few years 
again, perhaps, enemies will be friends and friends 
enemies.' 

"'Yes, the irony of fate,' I replied. 'What 
things will be one hundred years from now ? 
Leave me for a few minutes. I want to pray and 
ponder upon the past, the present and the future.' 

" So here are some of the thoughts that came to 
me upon that balmy February afternoon : 



Shall America Lead the Nations ? 199 

" One hundred years ago, the Scourge of Europe, 
with his valiant armies, had stricken terror to all 
the nations. He had seemed invincible but the un- 
foreseen arose. Upon this field he had received 
the blow that put him down and out. 

" Here I glanced over at the monument of ' the 
Eagle with the Broken Pinion.' Then was I 
aroused from these thoughts by the continual jar- 
ring of the ground and the booming of big guns at 
Lille, Arras, Flanders and Somme. 

" ' Just now men are dying by the hundreds 
along that ditch of death.' Then came the thought 
of millions in the death struggle, pouring in alive 
and being brought out in trainloads, dead ; of hos- 
pitals all over Europe crowded with men, torn by 
dreadful wounds, of widows and orphans in anguish 
in every land ; of hearthstones desolated and poor 
aged fathers and mothers going down to grief and 
death. Sad, sad world ! 

" Musing upon these things, I gazed towards the 
west where the great sun was setting in all his 
glory. It seemed as if that fiery orb was setting, 
too, into the ditch of death. Shall the hopes of 
civilization go down into the night of chaos never 
to rise again ? Shall that sun rise anon for another 
morrow ? If so, shall that coming day be for bet- 
ter or sadder conditions in the destiny of the hu- 
man race ? 

" Then this thought came to my mind : ' Yes, I 
see the sun, but it will not remain as it appears at 
this moment, stationary, where millions are dying 



200 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

in a purposeless struggle, but it is passing over the 
sea to the land of the world's hope. It will soon 
cast its warm rays to bless a free and peaceful 
people. It will shine upon a land that has espoused 
the cause of freedom and independence and which 
loves to give rather than to take among its small 
neighbors. 

" The spirit of America embodies the ideal upon 
which all the world should be organized. Why 
cannot America, which has suffered the least and 
profited the most, make some sacrifice to bring 
about a league of nations that will guarantee to all 
the world the benefit of the right to * life, liberty 
and the pursuit of happiness ' ? 

" We are not in the stage-coach days of one hun- 
dred years ago. Those were times of individualism, 
parochialism and provincialism. But now the en- 
tire world has come together, like the bones in 
EzekiePs prophecy. The world is a unit. Its na- 
tions no longer assert themselves. It is one living 
body, knit together by a nervous and arterial sys- 
tem of traffic and electrical wiring. The interests 
of all people are of common concern. The intelli- 
gence of an enlightened civilization must meet this 
issue, the sooner the better. 

" It is well indeed to preserve national interest 
and to promote sectional strength but not to the 
injury of others. Why not do away with Milita- 
rism ? Why not pluck this thorn from the flesh as 
one would take guns from a desperado or from a 
frenzied mob ? Why cannot wars be abolished for- 



Shall America Lead the Nations ? 201 

ever and the children of men live in peace and good 
will? 

"During these meditations, I could hear the 
booming of the guns of death in the distance. 
The sound was like the rolling of thunder with 
intermittent crashes of the great forty-two centi- 
meters. I looked away from the past century. 
My mind drifted forward another century. 

" I could see a great centennial assemblage held 
by the nations along a front extending from Water- 
loo to Flanders and from Switzerland on the line 
of the bloodiest of battle-fields. This great multi- 
tude was summoned together by ' the chairman of 
the League of Nations. ' His voice could be heard 
by each auditor over the perfected wireless tele- 
phone. He spoke from the Palace of the Inter- 
national Court, the real capitol of the world. 

" Ladies and Gentlemen of the United Christian 
"World : We have assembled a multitude to-day that 
no man can number — all nations, kingdoms, peoples 
and tongues. We are standing not before the 
thrones of godless idolatry as did our ancestors 
centuries ago, but before the throne of God. Our 
minds have been clothed with the white robes of 
unselfishness and we live to promote each other's 
good. 

" The new order of things brought together the 
wisest of the world's representatives to settle dis- 
pute and to further peace. The nations had fought 
in death grip as gory-fanged bloodhounds fight, 
maddened by the sight of their own sanguinary 



202 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

work. They had battled until men and means 
were exhausted, until archaic forms of government 
reeled and tottered upon the very verge of extermi- 
nation. Every blood-stained body politic sweltered 
in bankruptcy. Gaunt Poverty stalked the streets 
of devastated villages, the flower of whose man- 
hood had been sacrificed upon the altar of autoc- 
racy. Widows wept in hopeless woe, mothers 
mourned in deepest misery, maidens sighed for 
lovers lost. Nor was the ghastly spectacle at an 
end until every battle flag was riddled into shreds, 
until each nation was humbled into abject help- 
lessness. 

" Then did America prove its courage, its mag- 
nificent unselfishness, not by imitating the follies 
of a useful though dangerous preparedness such as 
led to the great war, but by the wisest way. For 
a century and a half had America piloted the 
world in the cause of human liberty. Its Declara- 
tion of Independence, its Emancipation Proclama- 
tion had been mile-stones along the rough road of 
the destiny of men. It had stood steadfastly 
against those conquests, born of greed, that can 
mean only oppression and disgrace. Its dealings 
in the case of Cuba had blazed forth as a beacon 
for the ages, its protecting wings had sheltered its 
weaker sister republics beneath the Southern Cross, 
establishing * the Pan-American idea ' as a model 
for all time. 

" After the great war came a mighty wave of 
righteousness over the greatest of republics; and 



Shall America Lead the Nations ? 203 

religion, in its purity and power, dominated every 
heart. Men of millions heard the call of their 
fellow men. Powerful agencies wrought miracles, 
great foundations sought everywhere in the dark 
places to uplift mortals from the depths, to rescue 
humanity from its self-digged pit. Nations there 
were that held back at the outset, clinging still to 
discredited theories of military preparedness, but 
enlightenment came to all ere long. Those who 
would have prolonged the tenure of feudal lords, 
of a more modern and still worse autocracy, were 
swept away in the onrushing tide of light and 
reason. 

" Not alone America but all the civilized world 
learn the inspiring lesson that the most powerful 
of weapons are not carnal. The mighty factor of 
philanthropy, the sweet, soul-stirring song of char- 
ity, rejoiced the hearts and upraised the minds of 
men. The same spirit spread its beneficent course, 
from America, over every nation — England, which 
had long borne aloft the torch of freedom ; Ger- 
many, which welded supreme effort in education 
and solidarity ; Eussia, which first proposed dis- 
armament; France, which fought and suffered a 
century for the common people. 

" The heathen nations of the Orient, awakened 
from the dark past with its anaesthesia of super- 
stition, looked to the Christian world for the reality 
and the power of Christianity. Deceived and dis- 
appointed through ages of gloom, they had called 
for the bread of life and had been given idols of 



204 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

Militarism and bayonets. But, after the great war, 
they became lands of golden promise, fertile in 
goodness as in fruits and flowers, and were among 
the foremost in disarmament. East and West, 
North and South, were formed irresistible, over- 
mastering armies of righteousness to conquer the 
real enemies of mankind, to vanquish the cancers 
that for eons had eaten at the vitals of humanity — 
rum, drugs, vice, pride and greed. So came about 
and so went abroad in the fullness of its majesty, 
the stupendous wave of popular peace which had 
its source in the very fountain of Christian love. 

" When the fact first dawned upon the minds of 
all men that world peace, absolute and unequivocal, 
was inevitable, the immediate realization of this 
ideal condition was frustrated by the bitter hatreds 
of the nations, one for another. Keen as had been 
these antipathies, commercial as well as racial, 
prior to the great world war, they had waxed a 
thousandfold more intense under the malignant 
influences of the supreme conflict that had proved 
to be the death throes of Mars. 

" Great powers, never over amicably inclined in 
their inmost hearts towards others equally powerful, 
became conscious of sentiments vastly more vindic- 
tive than ever before and the desired peace was 
attained only after each nation had first armed it- 
self with thoroughness unprecedented against every 
other nation. America was almost drawn into the 
overwhelming tide. Many international complica 
tions gave good cause for war but its leaders, 



Shall America Lead the Nations *? 205 

guided by the strong hands of forbearance and 
Christian fortitude, resisted the frenzy for war and 
established an object lesson which has since been 
emulated by all Christendom. 

" Out of the maelstrom of malice, sucking towards 
its swirling vortex each individual ship of state, 
emerged at length the crystalline waters of peace, 
a majestic, irresistible flood which swept away all 
hatreds, all bitternesses, all national greed and 
monarchical arrogance, drowning them forever, dis- 
owned, disavowed, rejected, crushed, in the ocean 
of oblivion. 

"This climax was capped by the assertion of the 
everlasting spirit of motherhood in the nations. 
Sweet sympathy made sisters of the mothers of men 
in every country that had shuddered under the 
scourge of war. Women of each land compre- 
hended that their sorrows were reflected in the 
hearts of women in every other realm and this com- 
munity of misery eventuated in a harmony of hearts 
representing a concord that the wrath of man could 
not oppose or even assail. The voice of every 
mourning mother became the voice of all ; it called 
for peace and man could not withstand the call. 

" Leaders among men, with ideals above and be- 
yond trade and commercialism, headed the moral 
forces that brought the end out of due time. For 
nations, upon understanding the folly of war, knew 
that increased armaments, though ostensibly for 
self-defense alone, would serve only to bring wars 
upon the heels of other wars. This ascendancy 



206 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

of the moral aspect naturally culminated in the 
burial of the hatreds of diverse elements. 

" The organization of the international tribunal 
in the Peace Palace at The Hague was an event 
unparallelled in the annals of time. Not long be- 
fore the great war, the proposition for the erection 
of the Palace, this monument to everlasting peace, 
and the completion of the imposing edifice just at 
the time of the outbreak of hostilities had been 
hailed with more or less merriment from pole to 
pole. It was arrant folly, men said, waste of 
money, of energy and of thought, even as they had 
said the same things centuries before regarding the 
ark that Noah had builded against the coming of 
the deluge and the foresight that had caused the 
patriarch to take along upon his diluvian voyage a 
pair of each species of living creatures to the end 
that the earth might be replenished when the waters 
had subsided. 

"Those whose derision Noah ignored, as he 
calmly proceeded in his ship-building, did not sur- 
vive to see the wisdom of his preparedness. They 
perished miserably in the same flood that upbore 
him and his family and their motley company of 
lower animals in safety to the slopes of Mount Ara- 
rat. But, happily, very many of those most bitter 
in denunciation of the Peace Palace, most scornful 
in deriding what seemed to them its utter useless- 
ness, its complete vanity, lived to view it as the 
birthplace of freedom from the thralldom of 
Militarism, as the Mecca of all peoples, all creeds, 



Shall America Lead the Nations % 207 

all sentiments, the shrine of international emanci- 
pation, the seat of supernal peace, of actual good 
will universal. 

" The formation of a League of Nations was an 
evolution of the United States of America. It had 
taken more than a century to prove that a govern- 
ment 'of the people, for the people and by the 
people ' could endure. The American nation had 
its testing time. It paid a great price for its lesson 
of freedom. It threshed out the great problems of 
state sovereignty and centralized government. It 
established its interstate commerce and other com- 
missions to adjust fair treatment to all nations. 
Although there were fifty free and independent 
states yet each and all were proud of their federal 
government and the constitution upon which it was 
founded. No one state had a flag of its own for 
which to fight. Every American pledged allegiance 
to the Stars and Stripes for the principles for 
which it stood. 

" In other words, the United States in the Western 
hemisphere became the model of what the rest of 
humanity would disclose after the world war. 

" The sovereignty of no nation was weakened 
but, as each American State preserved its integrity, 
so each nation maintained its efficiency and its 
entity while dwelling in peace with the world-wide 
league of nations. 

" The greatest of American statesmen, including 
those who had occupied the presidential chair, 
pioneered the great campaign for universal, per- 



208 A Yankee Major Invades Belgium 

manent peace, and for the League of Nations for 
the strengthening of international law. 

" The last great war in history was the breaking 
of the shell of the self-centred idea of nationalism 
from which burst into the new dawn of peace on 
earth. The world was then beginning to see the 
folly of flags to bolster mediaeval thrones and 
engender racial hatreds. We began to see the 
divine love that poured out for all the world. 

" Great revivals of religion arose spontaneously 
and, simultaneously, in all parts of the earth. The 
nations that had been stricken by their sons lost 
in war were the first to turn to Him that gave His 
only begotten Son that whosoever believed on Him 
should not perish but have everlasting life. 

" Kepresentatives, chosen by governments of 
every nation, assembled at The Hague and formed 
the League of Nations. Here was created an 
agreement that guaranteed to the weakest of na- 
tions the same rights and privileges claimed by the 
strongest. 

"Keforms of every sort ever since the beginning of 
the universe have been accomplished, not from the 
top downward, but from the bottom upward. The 
lesson we learn from the Cross is one of upbuilding. 
Christ began with the lowest criminals, the out- 
casts, the pariahs. Pride abased itself, condescen- 
sion was replaced by real humility. Then each 
unit of a glorious entity became stronger by reason 
of a perfect globe-girdling sympathy, bringing into 
being the tangible ideal of true democracy. 



Shall America Lead the Nations ? 209 

"Now people despise the thought of war lust 
and plunder. The greatest, most thrilling pleasure 
is to protect the weak, to promote righteousness in 
every commonwealth. 

" The world that had been lost in the by-paths, 
returned in due course of time to the main road. 
The people learned again the art that had been 
lost — the art of loving God." 

Then the vast assemblage closed by singing, 
" Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow." 



Printed in the United States of America 






A. 

A- 






? 





















** v % 



"W 



* ^ 










/ Sam-. \s »»: \/ *»fc v* 








A v ^ 

** ^ 














Deacidified using the Bookkeeper pro 

Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide 

«*^ Treatment Date: MA y 2001 



; <£>** PreservationTechnolog 



* r< 



A WORLD LEADER IN PAPER PRESERVE 

111 Thomson ParK Drive 



°y<Fw. : 



y- 







EC 7Bife* ^o ^ *VWVo * 




FLA. 






*<k 






32084 > . x * A. 



^ 




LIBRAE op 




°°07 706 663 ' 



